Health Care Industry Week to offer students a wide variety of networking opportunities

Students interested in a career in health care will want to attend Auburn University’s Health Care Industry Week lineup of events Oct. 28-Nov. 1.

The weeklong offering is a collaborative effort of several colleges across Auburn’s campus, featuring everything from mock interview opportunities to a health care industry panel to several other helpful sessions. 

“We intend for the events this week to offer our students more opportunities to engage with professionals in various representations of health care careers,” said Robin Martin, director of advising for the School of Kinesiology in Auburn’s College of Education. “It’s important for students to participate early in networking events to engage with health care professionals and gain insight into the skills necessary to not only become competitive applicants to professional programs but to learn to develop the skills and dispositions necessary to thrive in these rigorous programs and careers.”

Martin said the week is of great value to so many students, including those in the College of Education.

“The College of Education offers multiple programs to prepare students for careers in health care,” she said. “The School of Kinesiology prepares students in exercise science for application into various health profession programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical school, physician’s assistant programs and athletic training. The Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation and Counseling prepares students for careers in allied health fields such as occupational therapy and counseling.”

She added that “our students have the potential to impact many lives in their communities and state by serving in health care careers and working to improve and inform practice through research and education. This is the value of an Auburn education and the mission of our land-grant institution. We look forward to finding more ways to support the growth and professional development of our students and helping them achieve success.”

Health Care Industry Week begins with an Oct. 28 health care industry panel from 5-7:30 p.m. in Auburn’s Mell Classroom Building. Representatives in nutrition, physical therapy, counseling, medical sales, athletic training and orthotics and prosthetics will be on hand to answer questions. A reception and meet and greet session will follow the Q&A in the Mell lobby. Students are encouraged to register to attend the event. 

On Oct. 29, an “Olive Oil and The Mediterranean Diet: A Taste of Adventure” event will be offered by the College of Human Sciences. This event will allow students to dive deeply into the heart of the Mediterranean lifestyle through culture and cuisine. Hosted by Dr. Michael Greene from the Department of Nutritional Sciences, students will taste various olive oils, discuss the nutritional values of a Mediterranean diet and learn more about the Mediterranean Study Abroad Program.

Also on Oct. 29, the School of Kinesiology will present from 5:30-7 p.m. on the application process for physical therapy and occupational therapy programs.  Students will present on the PTCAS and OTCAS common applications, and Caroline Kirkham, admissions advisor for Auburn’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, will discuss the Doctor of Physical Therapy application.

“This is a great opportunity for students to get a look at the application and learn what to expect when it comes time for them to submit their own applications,” Martin said, adding that students are encouraged to register to attend.

Following that, on Oct. 30, there will be a Health Care Industry Day career fair at 10 a.m. at the Auburn Alumni Center. The fair is sponsored by the College of Sciences and Mathematics and the College of Liberal Arts. The career fair will allow students to learn about opportunities in various health care settings, with 28 employers in attendance from professional school programs to health insurance companies. These individuals will be looking to recruit students from various backgrounds that have an interest in the health care industry. Students are encouraged to dress professionally. 

The week ends with a special open house of Auburn’s new Doctor of Physical Therapy program space from noon to 2 p.m. on Oct. 31. Attendees will have an opportunity to tour the renovated spaces that will welcome the program’s first cohort in summer 2025. Spaces include the clinical laboratory, clinical classroom and active learning classroom. It is a drop-in event, but organizers advise attendees to arrive by 1:30 p.m. so the last group can get through all locations by 2. 

In addition to the week’s slated events, students will also have the opportunity all week long to practice their skills in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy mock interviews. Interviewers will include faculty and staff from Auburn’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, the College of Education and professionals within the community. More than 75 hour-long interview slots are available for students, who must register for a time slot, dress professionally and are encouraged to bring a resume and personal statement.