As a health professional, you will be a leader and team member with your patients, staff, colleagues, and in your community. Get involved on campus through student government, honors programs, or student organizations that are related to your major or future profession. Try to become an officer in an organization to gain leadership experience. You must take this role seriously though and live up to the commitment you make. You can search all of NEIU's Student Organizations to find organizations that are a good fit for you. Here are several student organizations to support students who are planning to go into the health professions and sciences.
The Future Health Professionals (FHP)
FHP helps to connect students with various resources and opportunities and serves those who intend to pursue a career in the health or medical field. The student organization can provide many benefits, including:
- Networking opportunities: FHP hosts events that bring together students with similar interests in healthcare. These events can include guest speakers, informational sessions, volunteer opportunities, and workshops that provide networking opportunities with healthcare professionals, alumni, and other students.
- Peer support: Joining FHP can provide a sense of community and support, as you connect with other students who share your passion for healthcare. This can be especially important during challenging times such as the rigorous coursework of pre-medical programs.
- Access to resources: FHP has provided resources such as study materials as well as access for alumni who are now practicing healthcare professionals.
- Exposure to different healthcare careers: FHP often invites healthcare professionals from various fields to speak at their events, providing students with exposure to different healthcare careers and the chance to ask questions and learn more about each profession.
- Leadership opportunities: Each year, FHP provides opportunities for leadership and professional development by having annual officer elections. These roles provide experience in organizing events, serving on committees, fundraising, and blood drives. These experiences can help build important skills and boost your resume.
The Pre-Dental Club
The NEIU Pre-Dental Club is a student-run organization that provides opportunities for students interested in the field of dentistry to learn about the admissions process, dental specialties, how to shadow a dentist, Dental Admissions Test (DAT) preparation, and networking with current students and alumni.
Women in Stem
Women in STEM is a group of women supporting women in the field of STEM.
The focus of the club is to:
- study and push each other to finish our degrees with a plan;
- network and find opportunities together;
- create a safe space to share our goals and ambitions;
- make new friends with similar goals, and
- support one another.
Pre Student of Osteopathic Medicine Association (PRE-SOMA)
Pre-SOMA is the undergraduate division of the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA), a national organization of students pursuing a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree. Pre-SOMA is a way for pre-medical students to become a part of a community before getting into medical school. Applying to medical school is already a daunting process that requires more than just good grades. Get support and advice from fellow driven students on the same path. Pre-SOMA is here to help!
The objectives of the club are:
- build a pre-med community;
- connect to like-minded peers;
- support members;
- share resources, and
- prepare for medical school.
University Honors Student Association
The central goal of the University Honors Student Association is to strengthen community among the members of the Northeastern Illinois University Honors Program and to facilitate a social environment for members to improve their mind and character. In addition, the club also provides academic support and opportunities for civic engagement.
Zoology Club
The Zoology Club’s main goal is to fill the gap in NEIU’S Biology department. While we are not affiliated with the department itself, we want to encourage students who are more interested in the animal side of biology than the human side. We plan on interviewing experts in the field, forming relationships with local animal organizations, and, if possible, having (small!) animals in our care. We want to offer support to future zoologists at NEIU and hopefully get people interested in the field.
Society for the Advancement of Hispanic/Chicano and Native American Scientists Chapter at NEIU (SACNAS)
We are interested in:
- Quality science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) research, teaching, leadership, and policy.
- Fostering the success of minority scientists to attain advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in science.
- Giving back to the university through mentorship activities, the establishment of peer networks, professional development, and engaging in scientific research and leadership of the highest caliber.
- Increasing the number of minorities with advanced degrees in science and leadership abilities.
- Increasing the number of minorities in science research, leadership, and teaching careers at all levels.
- Increasing governmental commitment to advancing minorities in science resulting in increased resources, elimination of barriers, and greater equity.
