Gonzaga Pre-Health

The Gonzaga University Health Professions Pathways Program (H3P)

We provide comprehensive support to students and alumni from all majors interested in pursuing graduate study and eventual careers in the health professions. Housed within Career & Professional Development, H3P offers resources, opportunities, and guidance to empower students to achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals, and provides leadership to the campus community regarding pre-health concerns and initiatives.

Why Choose Gonzaga?

Student volunteers spent Martin Luther King Jr. Day serving the greater Spokane community at The Salvation Army

Co-Curricular Development

The university prepares students for a life in service and leadership with others. Gonzaga students engage in more than 75,000 service hours each year and can participate in any number of 140+ student clubs and organizations. Zags care deeply for underserved populations and develop interpersonal skills that are essential to the healthcare profession.

masked nurse taking patient's temperature

Clinical Experience

Spokane is the major hub for healthcare in the Inland Northwest, boasting 6 major hospitals and a high density of clinical practices that offer students volunteer, internship, and shadowing opportunities. Many graduates seek employment in Spokane as EMTs, CNAs, medical assistants, technicians, and PT aides during gap or growth years.

Students in the Biomechanics and Gait Lab

Research

Students at Gonzaga have excellent opportunities to research a broad range of topics, including those with direct connections to health and medicine. For many majors, research is an important part of the academic experience. Students also secure competitive positions with UW-Medicine in Seattle, WSU-Spokane, and summer undergraduate research programs across the country.

University of Washington and Gonzaga University's Health Partnership Facility

UWSOM-Gonzaga Health Partnership

The partnership’s mission to educate and train future leaders in healthcare provides many opportunities for Gonzaga’s pre-health undergraduate students, including shared learning space, undergraduate research, opportunities to learn and observe through the UWSOM’s Anatomy Lab, and panels with medical and PA students.

class outside

Academics

With the opportunity to choose from 53 academic majors and 68 minors, specialized program offerings, a broadening Core Curriculum, and dedicated advisors to assist in mapping out pre-health requirements, Gonzaga students are well prepared for the intellectual and ethical challenges of health professions graduate programs.

Two students talk

Pre-Health Community

Each year, approximately 20 percent of incoming Gonzaga students indicate a pre-health interest. This active pre-health community includes several campus clubs that plan events and opportunities to connect. Zag alumni are engaged in mentoring current students through guest speaking roles and 1-on-1 interactions.

Kathrine Brackmann

Katherine Brackmann

H3P Lead/Coordinator

Katherine (she/her/hers) has more than 10 years of professional experience in higher education and started working at Gonzaga, her alma mater, in 2017. As part of her role, she instructs a course on the application process for health professions graduate programs. She completed a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, is a Certified Career Services Provider, and is actively involved in the Western Association of Advisors for the Health Professions. In her spare time, Katherine enjoys spending time outdoors, keeping up with her favorite sports teams, and spreading joy through baking. 
Portrait of a woman

Sandra Vargas

Staff Advisor

Sandra (she/her/hers) has over 15 years of experience in the field of education, serving as both an instructor and project manager for education projects in Colombia. Her academic background includes a bachelor's degree in foreign Language Teaching. Additionally, she has pursued postgraduate studies in project management and business administration, as well as earning a diploma in Educational Coaching. After completing her master's degree in organizational leadership at Gonzaga, Sandra now serves as a Career Facilitator. Outside of work, Sandra enjoys hiking and eating Thai food, and has a passion for linguistics.
Jake Deckert

Jake Deckert, PhD.

Faculty Advisor for H3P, Spring Semesters

Dr. Jake Deckert (he/him/his) has been teaching courses in biochemistry, immunology, and physiology for over a decade. He has been a part of the UWSOM-GU Health Partnership since 2019. Advising in health and medicine has been a part of his role from the beginning of his PhD work. In 2022, Dr. Deckert and UW Spokane medical students began an “Exercise is Medicine Club” that focuses on the mental, emotional, and physical benefits of exercise. When not working with students, he coaches athletes in nutrition and performance and greatly enjoys running, skiing, hiking and generally being outdoors. 


Professor helping a student