An Occidental liberal arts education nurtures well-rounded and competent healthcare providers through a broad, interdisciplinary curriculum that brings together scientific exploration and humanistic inquiry.
As an aspiring healthcare worker studying the liberal arts, you will develop intellectual and practical skills that will help you become a better communicator and optimize your ability to work as part of an effective team. You will gain analytical and problem-solving skills, and have opportunities to apply them to real-world situations. Patient care experience and research opportunities are woven into the academic curriculum, and cross-cultural competencies are cultivated by working in the local community.
Pre-health Opportunities in Los Angeles
Thanks to Oxy’s prime location in the heart of a bustling metropolitan area, you'll be surrounded by renowned teaching hospitals, two prestigious medical schools, cutting-edge biomedical research labs, and a variety of clinics that serve diverse communities. This invaluable access is paired with the support of Occidental’s Office of Pre-Health Advising (OPHA). OPHA can connect you to a range of experiences tailored to your goals, including volunteering and preceptorship at Huntington Hospital, clinical research at City of Hope, and public health internships delivering street medicine to unhoused populations.
Dedicated Support for Students and Alumni
OPHA partners with Oxy students and alumni interested in pursuing careers in medicine, allied health, and the biotech industry. Through individualized advising sessions and group workshops, we help pre-medical, pre-health and STEM students make well-informed career decisions. We provide guidance and highlight opportunities as you select your academic courses and engage in co-curricular activities such as research, volunteering, and clinical patient interactions. We also offer application review, practice interviews, and step-by-step assistance when you’re ready to apply for graduate school.
