Pre-Health Advisor (AFT - PSS2)

Ramapo; Mahwah (NJ); Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

Ramapo College of New Jersey, a public liberal arts institution, seeks a dynamic Pre‑Health Advisor to provide comprehensive, student‑centered academic and career advising for students pursuing MD, DO, DVM, DDS/DMD and allied health pathways.

The role guides students through competitive timelines, prerequisites, and experiential learning, including shadowing, research, and service, while supporting the Pre‑Health Advisory Committee and admissions processes across programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; a degree in a related science/health field is preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of direct experience in academic advising, career counseling, or admissions in higher education, within pre-health and STEM contexts.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one academic and career advising to pre-health students from first year through graduation and post-baccalaureate phases.
• Assist students in constructing competitive academic timelines, selecting appropriate prerequisites, and balancing rigorous science coursework.
• Guide students in securing clinical shadowing, volunteering, research, and community service opportunities.
• Develop advising documents with up-to-date entrance requirements and the evolving landscape of pre-health professional schools.
• Develop and manage the Pre-Health Advisory Committee process, including coordinating faculty and compiling letters of evaluation.
• Navigate centralized application services (AMCAS, AACOMAS, VMCAS, AADSAS, CASPA).
• Conduct reviews of personal statements, secondary essays, and activity descriptions.
• Facilitate mock interviews (MMI included) to prepare students for professional school interviews.
• Design and run workshops on application strategies, MCAT/DAT/GRE prep, and financing health professions education.
• Collaborate with Success Center and Cahill Career Center to connect students with resources.

Skills

Academic advising

Career counseling

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Science/health field preferred

Tools

Banner

Connect

Degree Works

Job description

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college, where students build the confidence, skills, and perspective to thrive in a changing world. Located on a breathtaking 300-acre campus in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains and just a short trip from New York City, Ramapo blends the best of both worlds: natural beauty, state-of-the-art facilities, and access to one of the world’s most dynamic job markets.

With approximately 6,000 students, Ramapo offers a personalized, student-centered experience defined by a 16:1 student–faculty ratio, small classes, and faculty who mentor, challenge, and inspire. Students can explore over 40 undergraduate majors and a growing portfolio of graduate programs in fields such as Business Administration, Data Science, Nursing, Educational Leadership, Social Work, Special Education, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Across every discipline, Ramapo emphasizes hands‑on learning through internships, co‑ops, study abroad, faculty research, service projects, and real‑world experiences that prepare students for meaningful careers.

Our campus is home to cutting‑edge academic spaces, including the Anisfield School of Business, the Adler Center for Nursing Excellence, the Sharp Sustainability Education Center, the Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts, the Les Paul Music Studio, and the Peter P. Mercer Learning Commons. Ramapo’s award‑winning residence halls are consistently ranked among the best in New Jersey.

Nationally recognized for excellence and value, Ramapo is ranked #1 among New Jersey public colleges by College Choice, named a Best Regional University North by U.S. News & World Report, and celebrated by Kiplinger’s, Money Magazine, Colleges of Distinction, and Victory Media’s Military Friendly rankings.

At Ramapo, students don’t just earn degrees; they discover their strengths, explore new possibilities, and build the foundation for bold futures.

Working at Ramapo

Ramapo College of New Jersey has been recognized as a "Great College to Work For," where our employees are at the heart of everything we do. We foster an equitable and fair workplace where ideas are welcomed, contributions are valued, and individuals are encouraged to grow both professionally and personally. Employees benefit from meaningful work, opportunities for development, and the chance to make a lasting impact on students’ lives every day.

At Ramapo College, we believe excellence is achieved through teamwork, respect, accountability, innovation, and a shared commitment to learning. Our all‑hands‑on deck culture requires leadership at all levels to ensure we achieve our mission, implement our goals, and invest in our future one student at a time. We are proud to offer a supportive environment that values well‑being and continuous improvement. We believe in being bold, being kind, and being good teammates, making Ramapo not just a place to work, but a great place to belong.

Ramapo College offers outstanding benefits through the New Jersey State Benefits system, generous PTO, professional development opportunities, wellness programs, tuition discounts for employees and their dependents, and much more.

Compensation:

$76,486 - $84,131

Ramapo College of New Jersey is committed to considering qualified candidates who are legally authorized to work in the United States. Candidates who are currently authorized to work in the United States through a valid immigration status or employment authorization are encouraged to apply. Visa sponsorship may be considered for qualified candidates and positions, subject to applicable federal immigration laws and regulations.

Job Summary:

Reports To: Dean of the School of Science, Nursing, and Health

Ramapo College of New Jersey, a public liberal arts institution, is seeking an energetic, dedicated, and knowledgeable Pre‑Health Advisor to provide comprehensive, student‑centered academic, developmental, and strategic advising to students towards admissions into allopathic/osteopathic medical (MD, DO), veterinary (DVM), dental (DDS/DMD), and other allied health professional programs by guiding students through competitive academic timelines, prerequisites, and critical experiential learning opportunities such as clinical shadowing, research, and community service. The ideal candidate is energized by community engagement and committed to educating students from a broad range of backgrounds Ramapo proudly serves—including first‑generation college students, as well as bi‑ and multilingual and multicultural learners of all ages. If you believe education and health career outcomes should be inclusive, empowering, and transformative, we invite you to help shape the next chapter of Ramapo’s mission. Join us in building a future where every student thrives and your impact resonates far beyond the classroom. Let’s redefine what’s possible—together!

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Student Advising & Mentorship

• Provide one‑on‑one academic and career advising to pre‑health students from first year through graduation and post‑baccalaureate phases.
• Assist students in constructing competitive academic timelines, selecting appropriate prerequisites, and balancing rigorous science coursework.
• Guide students in securing critical experiential learning opportunities, including clinical shadowing, volunteering, research, and community service.
• Develop advising documents with the latest information on entrance requirements and the changing landscape of pre‑health professional schools.

2. Application Support & Committee Process

• Develop and manage the Pre‑Health Advisory Committee process, including coordinating faculty and compiling, writing, and submitting letters of evaluation.
• Navigate the nuances of different centralized application services (AMCAS, AACOMAS, VMCAS, AADSAS, CASPA).
• Conduct meticulous reviews of student application components, including personal statements, secondary essays, and descriptions of meaningful activities.
• Facilitate mock interviews (traditional and Multiple Mini Interviews/MMI) to prepare students for the professional school interview process.

3. Programming, Workshops, & Resource Development

• Design and execute workshops on application strategies, MCAT/DAT/GRE preparation, personal statement writing, and financing health professions schools.
• Explore the development of certificate and non‑degree programs to gain entry into pre‑professional medical programs.
• Oversee and support pre‑health student organizations (e.g., Pre‑Med Club, Biology Club) and foster peer mentoring networks.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with admissions officers from regional and national medical, dental, veterinary, and allied health professional schools.
• Collaborate with the Center for Student Success and the Cahill Career Center to connect students with resources to support their success.

4. Data Management & Institutional Reporting

• Track, analyze, and report on Ramapo student acceptance rates, test scores, and matriculation data to evaluate the efficacy of the pre‑health advising program.
• Maintain accurate, confidential student records in compliance with FERPA regulations.
• Update and maintain the Pre‑Health Advising website, resource guides, and digital communication channels.

5. Other duties as assigned by the Dean

Qualifications

Required:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; a degree in a related science/health field is preferred
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of direct experience in academic advising, career counseling, or admissions, within a pre‑health and STEM context in higher education.
• Knowledge Base: Deep understanding of the admissions requirements and timelines for medical, dental, veterinary, and allied health programs.
• Communication: Exceptional written communication skills (essential for drafting committee letters) and dynamic public speaking abilities for presenting workshops.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree or higher in Higher Education Administration, Counseling, Student Affairs, Education, or related science field.
• Active membership in the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (NAAHP) or the Northeast region (NEAAHP).
• Experience advising a diverse, first‑generation student population.
• Familiarity with student success platforms (e.g., Banner, Connect, Degree Works).

EEO Statement:

Ramapo College is an Affidavit Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Ramapo has a long history of advocating, advising, and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. Examples can be found in its mission statement, strategic plans, degree and course offerings, community outreach programs, and other diversity programs. Ramapo’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is infused across all facets of the College; where the environment is welcoming, dedicated to social justice, respectful of freedom of expression, focused on educating and having an ongoing conversation regarding cultural competence and the benefits and importance of diversity.