Getting involved outside the classroom is an important part of preparing for a career in healthcare. Student organizations help you develop leadership skills, build professional networks, serve your community and connect with peers who share similar career goals.
If you are interested in joining one of these student organizations, visit Huskie Hub for meeting times, upcoming events and membership information.
The Pre-health Professions Program supports the following organizations:
Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) is the national honor society for students pursuing careers in the health professions. The organization promotes academic excellence, leadership, service and professional development while preparing members for successful careers in healthcare.
Members participate in networking events, leadership opportunities, community service projects, educational programming and professional development activities designed to strengthen professional school applications.
Students pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, physician associate/assistant, optometry and other health professions who meet membership eligibility requirements.
The Pre-Professional Association (PPA) is NIU's largest student organization for students pursuing careers in the health professions. The organization provides a supportive community where students can explore healthcare careers, build professional skills and prepare for competitive professional school applications.
Members have opportunities to attend guest speakers, networking events, professional development workshops, service projects and career exploration activities while connecting with students who share similar goals.
Any student interested in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician associate/assistant, veterinary medicine, optometry, physical therapy, occupational therapy or other healthcare careers.
The National Pre-Med Association (NPreMA) supports students pursuing careers in medicine by providing academic resources, mentorship and opportunities that promote success throughout the medical school preparation process.
Members participate in workshops, collaborative study sessions, networking opportunities, mentoring, guest speakers and events focused on strengthening medical school applications.
Students pursuing or exploring careers in medicine.
The Black Student Health Association (BSHA) empowers students pursuing careers across the health professions by promoting academic success, leadership, mentorship, service and wellness while fostering an inclusive and supportive community.
Members benefit from study tables, networking opportunities, leadership development, volunteer experiences, professional workshops, health awareness initiatives and opportunities to advocate for health equity.
Students interested in healthcare careers who value leadership, service, professional development and advancing equity in healthcare.
The Pre-Veterinary Association provides guidance and resources for students interested in veterinary medicine while helping members prepare for veterinary school and careers in animal health.
Members participate in volunteer experiences, internships, workshops, networking events, guest speakers and team-building activities while connecting with peers who share an interest in veterinary medicine.
Students interested in veterinary medicine, animal health or exploring veterinary careers.
The Optometry and Vision Sciences Association (OVSA) supports students interested in optometry and vision science by providing opportunities to explore careers, develop professionally, and prepare for future educational goals.
Members have access to OAT preparation resources, study sessions, networking opportunities, volunteer experiences, internships, guest speakers, professional workshops and collaborative events with other healthcare organizations.
Students interested in optometry, vision science, eye care, or related healthcare professions.
The National Society of Black Women in Medicine (NSBWM) supports and empowers Black women pursuing careers in medicine and biomedical sciences through mentorship, professional development, educational resources and leadership opportunities.
Members participate in mentorship programs, networking events, educational workshops, leadership experiences, and initiatives that promote diversity, representation and excellence in healthcare.
Students who support the organization's mission of increasing representation and advancing equity within medicine and the health professions.
The Pre-Physical Therapy Club introduces students to the profession of physical therapy while providing guidance throughout the preparation and application process for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs.
Members connect with licensed physical therapists, DPT students, faculty, and guest speakers while learning about prerequisite coursework, observation hours, graduate school admissions and careers in physical therapy.
Students interested in physical therapy, rehabilitation sciences or movement-related healthcare careers.
The Rehabilitation Counseling Student Association supports students interested in rehabilitation counseling, disability services, and related helping professions through professional development, networking, service and experiential learning.
Members participate in guest speaker presentations, volunteer experiences, networking opportunities and professional development activities that provide valuable insight into careers in rehabilitation counseling and disability services.
Students interested in rehabilitation counseling, disability services, case management, vocational rehabilitation, mental health and other helping professions.
Pre-health Professions Program
prehealth@niu.edu