ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE INTERNSHIP

UCLA Athletics is accepting applications for the position of Athletic Performance Intern with Olympic Sports. The Summer-Fall internship will run from June-December. The Winter-Spring internship will run from January-June.  Duties include assisting the full-time Athletic Performance coaching staff in all aspects of UCLA Athletic Performance program including but not limited to warm-ups, strength and speed training, conditioning, and athlete assessment. Minimum requirements include, a bachelor’s degree or a degree in progress in an exercise science related field, CPR and First Aid certified, and a strong desire to pursue a career in collegiate strength and conditioning. Effective August 1^st, 2015, NCAA legislation mandates that only certified personnel can coach athletes unsupervised, therefore, CSCS or CSCCA certification is preferred.  A minimum time commitment of 30 hours per week is required. These positions are for VOLUNTEER coaches, no compensation will be provided. Screening of applications has begun and will continue until all positions are filled.

Please send your resume, cover letter, and list of references to Internship Coordinator Adam Garner at agarner@athletics.ucla.edu

UCLA is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

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https://uclabruins.com/sports/2015/7/24/210232441.aspx

My name is Mary Obideyi, I previously graduated from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) in 2016. My experience at CSULB was amazing and unforgettable. When I entered CSULB I was a pre-nursing major. I wanted to go into the nursing field because I knew it came with job security. There is not a place in this world where you can’t get a job as a nurse. With that being said, I did all my prerequisites in nursing, but unfortunately I did not get into the nursing program in CSULB or any outside nursing program. I then switched my major to Health Care Administration (HCA) and at that time I did not want to change my major. I saw the HCA as a major for people who were rejected from nursing schools. However, my major change was a blessing in disguise because it opened many doors for me in the long run. My HCA professors were a big help to me at that time, because they helped to connect me to health conferences and associations where I was able to network with other HCA professionals. In addition, my major required that we had to participate in a practicum in our last year. With the help of my CSULB professors, I was able to get an internship at Riverside County, Department of Public Health in the Disease Control and HIV/STD Programs. Those internships gave me great work experience in the public health sector. The internships eventually turned into a full-time job for me as a Communicable Disease Specialist for the Riverside County by educating the public about risk reductions in contracting HIV/STDs.

Working in the public health department helped me realize that I enjoy helping people from a public health perspective. My time in the public health department ultimately led me into pursuing my Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) at California Baptist University (CBU). At first I was nervous in applying for the graduate program at CBU. However, my nervousness soon went away because I was able to get assistance with the whole application process from a CBU graduate counselor. The Public Health Science Department at CBU is a family oriented place. From the first day, as I entered the building and met the Public Health faculty, I was warmly welcomed. Since then, I knew I wanted to be in the MPH program at CBU.

Now fast forward a year later, I will soon be finished with my first year of the program, by the end of June 2018! As I look back at my first year, I honestly thank God for surrounding me with amazing professors, faculty, and classmates who are currently helping me to succeed in the program. The MPH program here at CBU is a rigorous program, however you do not feel alone. No one in the program is competitive, we all believe that any health job/career you eventually decided to go in, is really FOR YOU! God will open those doors as you put your trust in Him. That is why I believe in the saying “when one door shuts on you, another door opens.” If you are applying for graduate school, ask yourself if this is the type of discipline or program you want to go into. Take your time and ask for help if you don’t understand the graduate application process. It is not a race to get into a graduate school because it is your life and you want to be happy in the career you pursue. Like CBU says you want to LIVE YOUR PURPOSE!

Stay blessed,

Mary Obideyi

Master of Public Health – In Progress

Hi friends! My name is Priscilla; I am currently pursuing my M.S. in Kinesiology here at CBU. Truthfully, I mean it when I say; CBU has been a blessing in my life. The College of Health Science here at CBU has guided my understanding of kinesiology in a unique way, ultimately allowing me to live my purpose. Every professor and faculty member I have met during my time here as a grad student has influenced the desired career path I hope to pursue.

Let me explain…

As I began the grad program, I had no idea what God had planned for me here at CBU. All I knew is that I wanted to further my education within kinesiology, develop a strong professional network, and grow in my faith and knowledge of our Lord and Savior. I often repeated Proverbs 3:5-8 to myself, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and He will make your path straight.”

Fast-forward several semesters…

As June approached it finally hit me, I was only two semesters away from graduating (what an exciting realization that was, to say the least)! As summer courses began I was given the opportunity to complete my Practicum course at Kaiser Permanente (KP). More specifically, I was placed in the KP Health and Wellness department. During this time I was able to meet with and learn from several different lifestyle educators (LE) and registered dieticians (RD). I can truthfully say that as each week passed I learned something new. From assessing one’s mechanics, articulating new exercises, preparing for upcoming fitness classes, or modifying an exercise routine, I began and ended each day with lessons learned. During this time I had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Miller (also, CBU professor) and learned much from her style of teaching. Any day I was given the opportunity to lead an exercise class I looked forward to receiving her feedback after class. Her constructive criticism and thorough explanations helped me develop a better understanding of the task at hand.

In addition…

My time at KP increased my passion for kinesiology more than ever before. I developed a new desire to communicate with others, teaching them the importance of healthy living in regards to both exercise and nutrition. I truly appreciated the learning process here at KP. It was during this internship that I really felt called to teach at the collegiate level. If I can sum up several characteristics of the work ethic I have learned it would be; teach with integrity, work diligently, be joyful, listen to others, lead with kindness, and display confidence in the Lord. I am thankful for the opportunity I have had to work alongside those at KP and hope to learn more.

Furthermore…

As I meditate on Proverbs 3:5-8 I have come to realize that the Lord has placed a desire in me to serve others. Eventually, I hope to work at the collegiate level, teaching other students the importance of health and wellness and how it relates to kinesiology. Overtime, I hope to develop a teaching style similar to the one that has been represented to me at CBU.

As I close…

I want to encourage you with a quote that has been dear to my heart during my time in grad school. On many occasions, this particular quote from John Piper has reminded me to trust God’s plan for my life. “Whatever you do, find the God-centered, Christ-exalting, bible-saturated, passion of your life, and find your way to say it, live it, and die for it.” I am confident that wherever the Lord leads me after grad school I will do my best to work diligently, with a joyful heart, for His glory. In doing so I pray to be a light. I pray that others will see Christ in me and will know that my joy and contentment is found in Christ alone. There is still so much to learn but I am eager to see where the Lord will place me within this field of study.

Thank you for listening,

Priscilla Galindo

M.S. Kinesiology – Exercise Science (December 2018)

Hello College of Health Science students, welcome to another successful school year! My name is Kevin Innis, I recently completed CBU’s M.S. Kinesiology program. I am currently a student at Western University’s DPT program, which began August 2018. For those of you preparing to apply to graduate programs after your undergraduate careers, I would like to share some of my experiences with you. I am hoping that some of these experiences can help you avoid the same mistakes I made, and better prepare you for the graduate application process.

HERE WE GO!

Six Pointers To Note As An Undergrad

1. Attend Office Hours

If there is one regret I have about my undergraduate career, it’s how little time I spent attending office hours. I would find excuses to avoid going, telling myself that I had a great understanding of the week’s course material. If I knew it so well, why would I go? What I’ve come to realize is that a lack of questions is usually due to poor understanding. This may seem counterintuitive, but bear with me. As health science students, we can all appreciate how complex and incredibly interwoven the systems of the human body can be. There should always be questions to ask! I found that going to office hours accomplished two tasks: 1) It forced me to review material and find higher-order questions to ask my professors, and 2) It helped lay a stronger foundation for understanding course concepts.

2. Prepare for Lecture

One of the highest yielding changes I made to my academic life between my undergraduate and graduate programs was preparing for lectures. It may seem insignificant but scanning through new lecture slides or required reading prior to class can give you helpful context to improve your learning.

I’d also like to mention why facilitating this type of learning is so important, especially for those of us entering healthcare professions. Mastery of the concepts we are learning in class everyday will not only help us for exams—it will also prepare us to provide our best care to future patients. (This helps me turn off Netflix and hit the books some more.)

3. Expose Yourself to Different Settings

Get out there and investigate as many settings as you can! There are so many different settings that any one healthcare profession can take. You owe it to yourself to understand what they entail. You won’t like every volunteer or shadowing site—however, a better understanding of why you like or dislike certain settings will help you better realize your goals, ambitions, and future career path.

For those seeking exposure to in-patient experience in physical therapy—almost every hospital employs a physical therapist. One of the best ways to get your foot in the door is by reaching out to the hospital’s volunteer services department. You can usually speak with the volunteer services coordinator, undergo the appropriate volunteer training, and request to volunteer alongside the physical therapist. This can sometimes be much easier than simply asking to shadow the hospital’s physical therapist.

4. Utilize Group Studying

Group studying is incredibly helpful. As a future healthcare professional, working well in a group is a necessity. We will have to work in conjunction with other professional disciplines to achieve optimal outcomes for future patients. By working together in study groups, we can improve our communication skills, teamwork abilities, and leadership qualities. We can also gain new perspectives on course material to improve our understanding. If you don’t feel as though you’d benefit from a study group, then try teaching course concepts to your classmates. By helping others learn course material, you can improve your own understanding (as the old saying goes, “If you can teach it, you know it”). If you’re not in a study group now, become part of one!

5. Go to the Career Center

I wish I had realized how valuable a resource my university’s career center was during my undergraduate years. One of the best decisions I made was going to the CBU career center for a mock interview and resume review. For those of you looking to enter graduate healthcare programs, the career center can help you prepare for those interviews! I attended a mock interview at CBU’s career center two weeks before my actual interview at a DPT program, and it helped me tremendously. I had helpful feedback that related directly to my interviews at physical therapy schools—two weeks later when it came time for the real interview, I felt comfortable, confident, and prepared.

6. Get Involved in Research

I spent a considerable amount of time conducting research in my graduate program, and I wish I had participated in more research as an undergraduate. If Derek Jeter (sorry Dodgers/Angels fans, I’m from NJ) offered private batting lessons, would you pass that up? Of course not! Your faculty are literally experts in their fields—ask them about their research! I can see three huge benefits from being involved in research: 1) You’re considerably expanding your knowledge; 2) You’re getting hands-on experience in a process by which all scientific knowledge is gained; 3) You’re contributing to a working body of knowledge that can improve people’s lives. Why wouldn’t you want to be a part of that?

PTCAS — “The Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service”

The PTCAS is the service used by most physical therapy schools for application processing. Here are a few things I wish I had known about before beginning the PTCAS.

Letters of Recommendation

The PTCAS will require letters of recommendation from professors, physical therapists, or supervisors. Try to find evaluators who know you well and can speak to your potential as a future physical therapist. It helps to request these letters as early as possible. You can tell your evaluators to save your recommendation on their computers so that it can be submitted in a timely manner. Inform your evaluators early to keep your application submission from being delayed!

Prerequisites

Before you apply to any program, make sure that your prerequisites are in order. Before paying application fees to any program, make sure you meet their prerequisite requirements. This applies to having completed all the necessary prerequisites, as well as meeting their prerequisite GPA. I had to retake a few prerequisite courses, and also take some new ones, to make sure I met these requirements.

Another important factor to keep in mind is repeated coursework policies. If you have to repeat any prerequisite coursework, it helps to know how your prospective DPT program will calculate your GPA. Some programs allow for complete replacement of repeated coursework, while others will only average the two grades. Understanding these program-specific prerequisite calculations will help you prioritize your list of DPT programs.

The GRE

The GRE is not the most exciting test to study for. However, your performance on the GRE can set your apart from other applicants. Make sure to know the GRE score requirements for each program you’re applying to. Before paying to send your application to any institution, make sure you meet the minimum GRE score. There are many ways, via online and textbook, to study for the GRE. I used an online study tool, along with a book full of practice problems—it helped tremendously. Make sure to read the solutions on any questions you answer incorrectly and find what works for you! You may have to take more than one test to see your highest score (I did), and that’s ok! I gave myself about 3 months of committed studying before taking the exam.

Tips When Applying to Physical Therapy Programs

Reach Out to Admissions Counselors & Utilize Preview Days

Admissions counselors are there to help you. Reach out to them with any questions you may have about their DPT program. It’s important to find a program that suits your values, interests, and goals. Admissions counselors will help you better evaluate which DPT program might be a better fit for you.

Some DPT programs have preview days, where applicants are invited to campus. Go to these! Attending preview days will help you understand more about the program. You’ll gain a better understanding about the university’s culture and if it’s a good fit.

The Interview

The interview process can be stressful. However, there are a few things you can do to put yourself in the best position possible going into it. I’ve already mentioned utilizing CBU’s career center, which can be incredibly helpful. By receiving their feedback on your interview performance, you’ll know where you need to improve.

It’s easy to get lost in the process of completing prerequisites, studying for the GRE, filling out applications and checking off boxes. Do not forget why you want to be a physical therapist! As hectic as things may be, you should set aside time for reflection. Speak with your professors and physical therapists about some of the challenges in healthcare. How can you make a difference? What are some of the ways you want to improve and deliver help to those who need it? What attracted you to the profession? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Where would you like to improve? By reflecting on these types of questions, you can help yourself better prepare for interviews.

To Conclude

I hope that some of the things I touched on are helpful. Graduate school (applying and attending) can be hard, time consuming, and a little stressful…but that’s ok! It should be! Remember that anything worth doing will never be easy! Continue growing, stay positive, and always make time for the things that are important to you.

Kevin Innis 

M.S. Kinesiology 

 

Being an undergraduate student can be such a confusing time…I remember not having a single clue as to what career I wanted to pursue or how to get there. I mean, how do you figure these things out, especially if you are the first one in your family to go to college? Well thanks to many teachers and professors challenging and guiding me, it led me down a path that I had no idea I would ever take.

Thinking back to my undergrad days, what always stands out to me are my mentors. Being at California Baptist University (CBU) when it was still quite small was such a blessing because it allowed me to have many of my professors as mentors. Having a mentor, especially someone familiar with the field you are interested in, makes a world of a difference in your journey. These people help to motivate, encourage, challenge, and guide you on your way, at a time in your life that is going to set the foundation for your future no less! Mentors help provide that outside, second opinion and see things that you might not recognize yourself. Many people think they can, or worse–need to do everything on their own. If only they realized that simple, humble encouragement or a gentle nudge could alter their whole trajectory in unexpected ways. All the way from high school to post-grad, I benefited from mentors who helped in every step and decision I made. From simply choosing to go to college, declaring myself as a biology major, to finally pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant (PA), those mentors were always there, helping me through each new challenge.

In addition to having mentors, I feel that having a few steady jobs throughout my undergraduate career really taught me how to be successful. In every job there was something to be learned, related to biology/medicine or not, (much more often the latter). As a secretary, I learned valuable skills in professionalism and conversational etiquette. As a lab assistant, I learned leadership skills and how to teach. Even in my job as a research technician I learned how to work in a team setting and sharpen my understanding of credible research. Little did I know that all of these skills would benefit me in the future and contribute to my success today as I go through the PA program. Continuing that train of thought, other areas that helped me be successful, specifically in the PA program, was my job as an emergency medicine scribe at Loma Linda Hospital; my volunteering opportunities with COPE Solutions in a hospital setting; and at a free health clinic through church. These experiences allowed me to gain clinical skills and medical knowledge, which have been far more important than I could have imagined going into the PA program (yes, far more important than just a high GPA).

Of all of the obstacles and hard work it took to get this far, I definitely recall feeling like the hardest part was just getting into a PA program! To be clear, it wasn’t hard because of the work it takes to apply and attend interviews…that was pretty straightforward. What I’m referring to is that stomach-churning anxiety from putting your heart and soul into everything while endlessly waiting to be hear back from them, surviving and clawing your way through the dreaded interview process, and the constant fear of being rejected. For some people, maybe it’s easy-peasy, but if you’re anything like I am, it’s an intimidating process, to say the least. So right now, I’m going to focus on those people who are like me.

The process of applying to PA school is thankfully quite simple. All of the applications are done through CASPA where you can get everything done in one stop, (yay for convenience). While many have to pay the unforgivably expensive fees to submit applications, it’s always worth trying to apply early and see if you qualify for a waiver. My biggest piece of advice for applications is to get them done EARLY! Application cycles happen once a year. If you wait too long and don’t get things submitted in time or scramble and submit a half done application, you risk having to wait an entire year for your next shot. Also remember: the early bird gets the worm, and PA program applications are no exception! The earlier you submit, the more open spots schools have to give you interviews. My second piece of advice is to make sure someone reviews your personal statement…someone like the career center or a professor, and not just your buddy who did well in English Comp 101. While it’s true that many personal statements can end up sounding similar, it is much better to “blend in” than to stick out in a bad way. Except for you of course, you’re the most special person ever! (Feel better?)

I feel like I’m forgetting something…I guess that’s why they call them repressed memories. As you likely have surmised, I’m referring to the dreaded interview process…filled with sweat, tears, and…is that blood?! Just kidding, it’s doubt. There’s just so many unknowns going into them! I mean, do you be yourself, do you become who you think they want you to be, do you come with your rehearsed perfect answers while trying to somehow not sound robotic and cliché? Should you dress for a funeral, (it may very well feel like one if you aren’t prepared), or dare to stand out? And no two schools or interviewers are identical.

Here comes the good news train though. There is definitely a way to build confidence before interviews, and that is to PREPARE! Many students procrastinate preparing until they are offered an interview and end up with limited time, leading to less confidence during the interview which can destroy their chances. There are many types of interview formats and question types. Each school you interview with will be different and have different values, just like different companies, so do your research! Find examples of questions that are asked and take the time to create articulate answers with specifics, then follow that with doing mock interviews a couple times. Furthermore, record those mock interviews, listen and watch yourself, and you will see what everyone else sees (this takes courage, but so does being a PA). Never underestimate how much the interviewer can see through your answers and get a sense of what you truly know and feel.

Of course, getting accepted is nothing compared to actually attending PA school, even if it does come with similar feelings. Once you are in though, you feel so much closer to accomplishing your goals and you know that if you just keep pushing, you’ll eventually reach that goal.

While CBU’s program only lasts for two years, those two years are jam-packed! The first year is comprised of three semesters of didactic coursework, directly followed by the second year which is three semesters of three 5-week-long clinical rotations each (totaling 9 rotations). The first year was the hardest because there is so much to learn in so little time with multiple exams every week, but you start it off with so much excitement that it helps get you through it (even if on mere fumes by the end). Then second year is such a relief when you finally get to start practicing everything you learned and only have one exam after each rotation. However, second year comes with its own struggles, as you are constantly being critiqued and challenged on your skills and knowledge by your preceptors every.single.day. Then to make it more…”fun”, each rotation is wildly different from the others, requiring a different skill-set, knowledge, and varying schedules. Some are more relaxed and straightforward while others are grueling with long hours and complex cases. And just when you start to feel comfortable after your 5 weeks, SURPRISE, it’s time for the next rotation.

As a current second year PA student at CBU I can definitely say that PA school has been the toughest, most grueling (yet rewarding) time of my life. It is nearly impossible to fully comprehend or even anticipate just how hard it is going to be until you are in the thick of it. Thankfully, being at CBU has made this experience for me much more comforting than it could have been elsewhere. Having a faith-based program with a small class size created a lot of unity and personal encouragement through very difficult times.

Regardless of where you go, PA school is what it is and you have to understand what you are signing yourself up for. Learning how to practice medicine in two years (or three for some programs) is no easy feat and you will realize that it is a lifelong process of learning. It will likely take several years to truly feel comfortable. In order to earn trust as a PA student or PA-C, you have to show that you are capable and confident, yet humble and open to criticism (constructive or not). Now that I am only a couple of months away from graduating I see what everyone means about not feeling ready. No one truly feels ready as a new graduate heading into their career, but it doesn’t mean you aren’t ready. The first few years are always the hardest, but it will all be worth it when you finally get to practice medicine and continue to gain more independence as a clinician. These past two years in PA school at CBU have been tremendously challenging, frustrating, and exciting! I can now look towards moving forward, getting a job, and continuing this journey I’ve been working so hard for. (And yes, that means I’m going to need a PA-C mentor to guide me through the next steps in this crazy process!)

Robin Atkins

M.S. PA Studies 

There are many opportunities within the Allied Health Professions at California Baptist University (CBU). Each occasion had a monumental impact on my knowledge base, personal growth, and spiritual journey. I studied Kinesiology with an emphasis in sports medicine hoping to gain the prerequisite knowledge for either physical therapy or athletic training (AT). Through many conversations with peers, professors, and administrators, I realized that AT was the profession for me. Choosing the AT route has allowed me to apply, attend, and study in the Master’s Program here at CBU. While this seems like a simple chronology of my life, I believe it highlights the love and support that the Allied Health Professions offers through every administrator present.

My knowledge when considering kinesiology was quite minuscule upon entering the Bachelor’s program at CBU. Fortunately, the department has established an amazingly thorough tract for students interested in future sports medicine careers. Through a variety of courses, (biology, anatomy, biomechanics, etc.) I attained familiarity and knowledge surrounding the human body and the inflictions that arise when placed under various types of stresses. To ensure that each student understood how to assess different injuries, sicknesses, and emergency scenarios, nearly every class included physical activity, group practices, and labs that aided in internalizing the knowledge presented. Although classes were always challenging, these kinesthetic learning opportunities made the material more attainable to learn and retain for future use as a health professional.

In addition, I was able to interact with my professors on a personal and professional level in and out of the classroom. As these professors spend their time within the careers that we (as students) desire most, they are more than willing to elaborate on their experiences for the benefit of each student. The volume of interpersonal communication found at CBU is not commonly displayed within other universities, which has been a key component for myself as I discovered my passion for the AT profession.

This department not only provides amazing professionals and role models within their respective professions but also within faith and their spiritual walk. Every professor is willing to share their knowledge and experiences that they have accumulated as they have been Christ followers. While some are more verbal than others, each professor does an excellent job at pointing everything we learn about the amazing design of the human body back to God. This was unexpected and served as a beam of hope, as I am a young adult continuously looking for support within the Christian community.

Overall, my time within CBU’s Allied Health Professions was highly enlightening in many different sectors of my life. The growth I obtained during my studies was priceless to me and will help me treat myself and others positively for the rest of my life.

Caleb Rogers

B.S. Kinesiology, Sports Medicine

When I started at CBU I knew that I would eventually be using what I had learned, accomplished, and acquired in order to step forward into a graduate program for speech therapy. Although I did not know what that would look like, I would love to share the do’s and don’ts of applying to grad school. The things worth stressing over and the less important things.

Fortunately, I have been given the opportunity to attend Boston University.

First things first, no one actually knows what each school is looking for— not exactly that is. You have no idea if someone of a similar background as you will be applying to one of your chosen universities or if you’ll be the unicorn of the group. Yes, generally speaking, schools look at a combination of your GPA, GRE, letters of recommendation, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and your personal statement. But what combination? One of the best pieces of advice that I held onto during this process was from a loyal teacher who told me to “shoot for the stars.”

I applied to some of the top schools in the nation, some of the smallest, some of the newest, and some of the oldest.

Here’s what I learned from all of it…

 

THE RESUME –

As far as building a resume, I would recommend staying involved in some sort of extracurricular activity. Try to find an opportunity that showcases your personality or a position that is applicable to your field of study. Remember, it doesn’t have to be a speech therapist assistant match to be beneficial.

I was a full time student-athlete for most of my college career so any other extracurricular activities I did were over summer. Even then, I have been fortunate enough to have gone overseas for medical and sports related trips. I also took a hospice volunteer position one summer, which significantly built my resume.

Like I said, I would highly recommend finding a volunteer placement for one of your summer options. Again, I will emphasize, it doesn’t have to be working alongside in your specific medical field, but you should be mindful of your volunteer time and how it may assist your career of interest.

THE GRE –

Lots of people stress over the GRE. You should definitely prepare well for the GRE. Study often and take a free online practice exam. From there you’ll know whether you are the person who needs A LOT to improve your score or you will naturally have a thing for it. If you plan ahead and take it early you can find this out and decide how much you want to invest in it. My tip for you all is; don’t stress the GRE until you start studying! Everyone freaks out but every single school is looking for something different and weighs parts of your application in a unique way.

I scored in the 38th and 47th percentile [aka below average]. I will admit, standardized testing is not one of my strengths but I did score much better on the written portion. Unless you’re trying for the number one school in the nation, it does not have to be perfect. Some schools just use the GRE as a hoop to jump through.

GRADES –

Your grades do matter! They will weigh your last 90 units higher but it is a very competitive field. So if you don’t have the grades, your experience should be sublime. Nevertheless, some professors preach that a 4.0 is needed and I know of plenty of students who were accepted within the 3.6 – 4.0 range and even a few with a GPA of 3.2.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION –

Additionally, letters of rec are weighed heavily and universities do not care about what your employer from your former restaurant job will say. They want references from your related field — professors who have gone through this and can attest to your ability to do the same. I would recommend having references from two professors and another of your choice. This is your chance to pick someone who is going to describe you well, outside of the quantitative measurements on your resume.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS –

I would suggest starting applications in the summer or the beginning of the fall semester. I did not begin until the end of October and I finished all of my applications by Thanksgiving break (1.5 month time frame). Additionally, I would advise, applying to a variety of schools and research what they are seeking from each applicant. Before you begin, know what you want in a school. For example; a small cohort, a certain state, a particular clinical placement option, etc.

ADVICE –

Figure out what you value — a strong community, a smaller cohort, private or public university, etc. Next, thoroughly examine your personal statement. Include a bit of your past, present, and future — why you are the person you are, what you value, where you would take the said program, profession, opportunity, etc. Keep your personal statement to about a page or page and a half, unless stated otherwise. Last, make sure you love the field! If you don’t, it will be obvious and those who do will rise above.

 

OUTLINE OF POINTERS –

1. Volunteer
2. Prep & take the GRE ahead of time
3. Your GPA matters
4. Be mindful of who you ask for letters of recommendation
5. Start the application process early
6. Love the field more than anything!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Riley Phillips

B.S. Communication Sciences and Disorders

The College of Health Science is excited to introduce our new, “Plan Your Progress” resource! It provides a suggested timeline of how to get involved on and off-campus in order to have a successful undergraduate career.  There are many resourceful opportunities to participate in which you can not only earn academic credit for, but also gain valuable skills into your future career.  This can strengthen any future application to graduate school, jobs, and can help develop your own unique characteristics as you continue to grow throughout your college journey.   Remember, getting involved is an excellent way to discover new aspects of your major and determine what career path is best for you! Questions? Email Brittany, Coordinator of Student Transitions, at bburdick@calbaptist.edu. We are more than happy to help you figure out what plan is beneficial for you!

 

CBU offers a multitude of valuable resources for students from every level to participate in and take advantage of. Whether you are planning a beach trip this weekend and need a kayak, you caught the cold that everyone in your dorm room has, or you are concerned about finding the right job after graduation, CBU has you covered.

Career Center –

The career center offers so many invaluable resources that continue well after your graduation day. Stop in for resume and cover letter building, mock interviews, job searching and networking, and to learn about the various career fairs hosted throughout the year…you could land your dream job before you even graduate. Give them a call at 951.343.5031. Insider tip: be sure to follow them on social media, they’ve been known to give away some pretty cool stuff…even a Disneyland Annual Passport!

Located in Business Building 120

Office of Student Success –

Did you just realize how underprepared you are for your upcoming math test, or that you desperately need a paper proof read before you can turn it in by midnight? The Office of Student Success is here to save the day. Services offered include tutoring, study groups, academic guidance and assistance, and exam proctoring.

               Located in Lancer Arms Building 54

Wellness Center –

Health Center à Whether it’s the cold that all your roommates received or your back hasn’t felt right since you woke up that morning, the Health Center is eager to make you well again. Stop by the clinic across the street from the main campus from 8am-5pm Monday through Friday.

Counseling à The CBU counseling center offers free services to students, staff and faculty throughout the school year and is flexible according to your schedule. Stop by to meet with someone or to set up occurring appointments.

               Wellness Center is located at 3626 Monroe St.

Academic Advising –

Your time at CBU will be smooth sailing as you spend more and more time in Academic Advising. The folks there are pro’s at making sure you are taking the right classes for your major, or even helping you decide on your major from the get-go. But be sure to call for an appointment, their time fills up fast!

               Located in Yeager Center B146

Community Life –

This office is known for hooking students up with amazing swag and experiences, like significantly discounted theme park and movie tickets, free concerts, CBU gear, and free food. Be sure to stop by their lounge in Lancer Plaza for a ping pong tournament or to relish in the cool atmosphere.

Located in Lancer Plaza 110

Spiritual Life –

The office of Spiritual Life offers an abundance of wisdom, prayer and mentorship, and community throughout your time on campus. Here you can sign up for a Tribe, or community group, gain valuable spiritual resources, and sign up for the next local service project.

               Located in Lancer Plaza 100

One of the most efficient and exciting ways to prepare for a successful future is to get involved at CBU. Whether that is attending an exciting lecture with your classmates or merely meeting your professor for coffee at Foodology, you will gain head knowledge and life knowledge when you immerse yourself in the ever-growing culture of CBU. Here are just a few ways to get started on the right foot with your future here on the Health Science campus.

1. Meet with your professors and chairs. They are eager to meet and get to know you! Each faculty has a set of unique skills and gifts, and you are the best part of their job. So take advantage of the opportunity to let them help you on your journey here at CBU! Going to their office hours, asking to meet them for lunch, or connecting with them after class are all beneficial ways to pick their brains and gain wisdom and insight for your future.
2. Take advantage of College events, like our upcoming Coffee with the Dean on October 10^th. These are great opportunities to get to know the Dean of your college and other faculty, an opportunity not given to many students at other universities. Dr. Pearson began his time at CBU in 2001 as a faculty in the Kinesiology department, and is passionate to see students succeed and thrive. Events like this will grant you a special opportunity to connect and network with those that are excited to help you for the next four years.
3. Follow us on social media. This is a great way to stay the most up to date on internship and volunteer opportunities, local job openings, giveaways, and so many other resources that will prove to be invaluable during your time within the College of Health Science. Who knows, you may even win a gift card or a slice of pizza?
4. Get involved in different clubs. Whether you are looking for the perfect type of involvement to put on your resume or are just looking for a community to hammock around the campus with, CBU has you covered. Getting connected with an academic club, like the Physician’s Assistant Club or American Medical Women’s Association, grants you the prime opportunity to join forces with students and faculty, getting you one step closer to the coveted letter of recommendation to that medical school or physical therapy program you’ve been dreaming of. See a full list of clubs here à https://calbaptist.edu/community-life/clubs-and-organizations

Have questions or are looking for more even more ways to get involved and stay connected? Email Brittany Burdick (bburdick@calbaptist.edu) or Ally Russell (arussell@calbaptist.edu) for more information!