Essential Resources for Students in Medical & Healthcare Programs

Students who choose to work in medicine or healthcare have an exciting and highly rewarding career in store. But of course, the journey to get to that career might present challenges, such as finding the right school, figuring out the required certifications (if necessary), passing the require examinations and of course, deciding how to pay for it all. The good news is that there are many resources available to help students through the educational aspect, as well as resources to help them when they do land that career and begin working in the healthcare field. This guide provides a list of those resources to get you started on the road to success – no matter where in the journey you are.

Education & Training

The single biggest challenge for anyone working toward a career in healthcare is getting the necessary education. This applies not only to prospective healthcare students, but to those currently working in the medical profession. You might be starting from scratch, about to attend your very first college class. Or you might be in the midst of a comfortable career but feel the need to enhance your management prospects or have your eye on that promotion. Or perhaps you’re in healthcare already, but you’re quite interested in making a lateral move to another area of the hospital or clinic. Whatever the case may be, additional education can help you get there. These resources are a great place to begin the important job of getting through the training and education you’ll need to pursue something new.

Are You (Culturally) Competent? A Guide for Nursing Students

Cultural competence is one of the most important healthcare topics today — a concept that, when employed, improves patient outcomes and instills trust. Learn how to become more culturally competent through this comprehensive and practical guide.

Assistive Technology & College: Key Software and Devices for Student Success

Assistive technology can make or break college success for certain groups of students. This guide covers the who, what, how, and why of assistive technology for online college students.

College Application Fee Waivers & Discounts for Students

College application and other fee waivers can save you a ton of money. Learn about these waivers and other ways to reduce the cost of getting into college.

College Exams: Test-Taking Strategies That Work by Skill Level

Improve your college test-taking performance with the beginner, intermediate, and expert exam and study skills in this guide.

Common Mistakes of College Freshmen and Their Solutions

If you’re preparing to start your first year of college, make sure you’re ready by knowing the most common mistakes that freshmen make and how to avoid them.

Crack the Admissions Code and Make Your Way to Med School

Find out what med schools are looking for, learn how to start preparing as an undergrad, and get advice on navigating the admissions process from a real expert.

Credits, Write-offs, & Tax Breaks for College Students: How to Cash-in on Savings

Looking to save on college expenses? Find out what you can and can’t deduct, which tax credits are available, and discover which education savings accounts that pay off.

Financial Wellness for College Students: Start Now for Success Later

Set yourself up for future success by learning and applying these key financial wellness strategies as a college student.

Food Insecurity in College: Fighting Student Hunger on Campus

Learn how food insecurity is being fought by colleges and communities, find out where help exists, and find resources and expert advice for combating hunger while in school.

Graduating from Nursing School Debt-Free: How to Finish School Without Breaking the Bank

Learn how to graduate debt free from nursing school with expert advice, resources, and money-saving tips to help reduce college expenses.

How to Ace the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE)

Get the inside scoop on how to ace the NPTE from understanding how the test is formatted and finding the study strategy that works for you to hearing from a professional PT who passed the exam himself.

How to Ace the SAT: A Student’s Guide to Exam Success

Getting accepted into your dream school requires a strong application; having high test scores can help you stand out from the competition. Read on to learn how you can ace the SAT and be better prepared for your future collegiate studies.

How to Budget for Nursing School: Saving for Your Future in Healthcare

Discover the keys to successful financial planning and learn how to create a nursing school budget that works with your needs so you can reach your career goals in healthcare.

How to Get & Stay Organized: A Guide for Nursing Students

Do you struggle with organizing your nursing school schedule and assignments? This guide gives you the tools, strategies, and resources you need to get your life in order and be successful in your studies.

Learn About How the Nursing Shortage Impacts Current and Future Nurses in the US

The nursing shortage is an increasingly dire issue in the US. We need more nurses than ever before. Learn more about how you can take advantage of this growing job market.

Learn How to Lean into Your Learning Style as an Online Student

Succeeding in online classes is as much about knowing how you learn as it is about learning the material. Keep reading to learn more.

Nailing Your Netiquette: Key Communication Skills for Online Students

Learn the do’s and don’ts of online communication with professors and other students, discover the pitfalls of emails and message boards, and get advice from a real-life netiquette expert.

Nursing Code of Ethics: A Student’s Guide

Ethics lie at the heart of delivering the best patient care possible. Read on to learn the most important parts of the Code of Ethics for Nurses and how nursing students can master the art of delivering ethical care while still in school.

Nursing Compact States: What Every Nurse Needs to Know

Learn what every nurse needs to know about the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact, including advantages, drawbacks, licensure requirements, and relocating.

Nursing Student’s Guide to Writing Well

As a nursing student, knowing how to write well is important for you to succeed in and out of school. This guide will help you hone your writing skills in school so you enter the field with everything you need.

Obesity Awareness & Resources for College Students

Learn how the obesity epidemic impacts college students and hear from a nutrition expert about staying healthy and preventing obesity as a student.

Online College: Empowering Students to Control Their Education

Online degree programs are booming, and college students are taking advantage of all the benefits that come with it. But what are those exactly? Read on to learn why getting a degree online might be the best academic decision you make.

Patient Safety for Nursing Students: How to Use Trauma-Informed Care & SBAR

Learn how trauma-informed care and SBAR can make your patients safer and lead to better health outcomes.

Recognizing & Preventing Cheating and Plagiarism in Online School

Recognizing & Preventing Cheating and Plagiarism in Online School

Registered Nurse Licensure Requirements by State

You've done the hard work to become a nurse, don't let licensing requirements trip you up. Keep reading for a state-by-state breakdown on what to do.

Resource Guide to Nursing School Entrance Exams

Preparing to take your Nursing School Entrance Exam to take can be stressful. With this guide we aim to clear up any confusion and give you a step-by-step path to acing your nursing school exams.

RN vs ADN vs BSN: Which Nursing Degree Path is Right for You?

You know you want to become a nurse, but there are so many ways to do so that it can be hard to know which is best. Keep reading to see how RN, BSN, and ADN paths compare.

Student Loan Forgiveness & Repayment Programs for Nurses

Discover how you can say goodbye to your debt with student loan forgiveness and repayment programs. Find out about eligibility requirements, learn how to apply, and get the information you need to get your debt forgiven today.

Summer Research and Internship Opportunities for Undergraduates

Looking for a summer research or internship opportunity? Check out our list of programs tailored specifically for undergraduate students in STEM or Healthcare.

The Ultimate Guide to Acing Your 1st Nursing Interview

You’ve finished nursing school and passed the NCLEX; the only thing left is your nursing interview. Read on to learn what you need to know to ace it.

Time Management Guide for Nursing Students

As an online nursing student, knowing how to manage your time effectively is essential. Learn how to do so with this guide.

Volunteering and Internships for Nursing Students

Practical experience is so important as an aspiring nurse. Explore volunteer and internship opportunities that can help you get started.

What Is College Student Burnout? Signs, Symptoms, and How to Get Help

Burnout can strike any student. Feelings of exhaustion and lack of interest are just a few of the signs. Learn what to do before burnout takes a toll.

What to Know About Nursing School Accreditation

Accreditation for nursing school can be confusing. Keep reading to learn what sort of accreditation you need to look for when choosing a nursing school and program.

Which Allied Health Career is Right for You?

Allied Health is a growing field with numerous job opportunities. Let us help you choose which path to take.

Health & Wellness

College is a challenging time on many levels. Even when classes are relatively easy, there’s still the task of balancing personal and work lives with what the school requires. For some, there’s intense pressure to graduate and get the highest grades possible. So, it’s common for college students, especially those in medical and health-related programs, to be under a lot of stress – and as everyone knows, as stress levels go up, good health can begin to suffer.

Finding some time to relax, breathe, and simply step away from school for a day is healthy and strongly encouraged. Here are a few ideas to help students to stay healthy, relax, and reduce their stress levels. Some of these resources have suggestions that might take time away from school, but the benefits will more than make up for any lost time studying.

How to Navigate Grief and Loss in College: A Guide for Students

For college students, experiencing grief can impact performance and motivation in school. This guide outlines the various stages of grief and provides information on how students can seek out the support they need to get through these challenging times.

How to Navigate Social Connections in Online College: A Student's Guide

Many students worry that getting a degree online means losing touch with friends who move away for school. Read on to learn about how you can maintain old relationships—and build meaningful new relationships—while going to school online.

Learn How to Use Social Media Responsibly in College

If you’re a 21st century student, you’re probably active on at least one social media platform. This guide will help you learn how to build a digital footprint you can be proud of and one that will set you up for success in and out of the classroom.

Managing Mental Health: A Guide to Success for Nursing Students

Learn about self-care strategies and find outside resources for overcoming mental health challenges during nursing school.

Preventing Sexual Assault in College: Student Support & Safety Advice

Learn how sexual assault impacts college students, find out how to keep yourself and others safe while on campus, and get resources that can help prevent sexual harassment and abuse.

Ready, Set, Vote: A College Student's Guide to First-Time Voting

College is full of firsts, including voting. Knowing where and how to participate in the next election can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Keep reading to learn more.

Taking a Stand: How to Be a Student Activist in College

Learn how to become a student activist in college. Get valuable tips, expert advice, and helpful resources as you advocate for the causes important to you.

The Green Life: How to Make an Impact in College | EduMed.org

Learn what you can do to make a difference as a college student and beyond with tips for going green on campus, with your degree, and when you volunteer.

Understanding Health Insurance in College: A Guide for Students

Understanding health insurance: a how-to guide for students that covers finding, buying and using insurance in college.

Special Interest Students

Sometimes, it pays to be a little different. Students who are of a minority group, those who served in the military, or even those who choose a career a bit off the beaten path can all find resources and assistance that is tailored to their special status. This also applies to those who are choosing a career on the basis of being able to help those who are members of underserved groups, or those who are members of certain groups that need help in a special way, such as wounded veterans or those with disabilities.

The following is a list of organizations and resources that can help students with special interests. Keep in mind that this list is just a starting point – there are thousands of special interest groups out there!

Accessing the American Dream: Pursuing College as an Undocumented Student

Learn how earning a college degree can differ for undocumented students and find information and resources to make your dream of higher education possible.

Balancing Parenthood and College: Resources, Scholarships, and Support for Single Parents

Find the support you need to succeed in college as a single parent with our comprehensive guide to college success. Click here to learn more and start your journey!

Becoming an Antiracist Healthcare Student

Antiracism is an important practice for future healthcare professionals who want to give equitable care to all their patients. Use this guide to discover actionable steps you can take today to become an effective antiracist student advocate.

College & Autism: Insight and Resources for Students with ASD

With the right supports in place, students with autism spectrum disorder can thrive in the college setting. Learn what to expect on your road to higher education and get advice and resources for making the college transition smooth.

College Planning for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Students

Discover how assistive technology, classroom accommodations, and online learning can make earning a college degree possible for students with hearing loss and gather helpful higher education resources.

College Student Rights: Learn Them Now to Protect Yourself Later

Students in college have certain rights that protect their ability to get a safe and fair education. Read on to learn everything you need to know about them.

College with Neurodivergence: Support, Resources, and More

Are you a neurodivergent student interested in a healthcare education? If so, use this guide to learn about what college might look like for you and how you can successfully earn a degree.

Housing Insecurity & College: A Resource for Students Experiencing Homelessness | EduMed.org

Students experiencing homelessness often face additional challenges when it comes to the college experience. Learn about the support that exists for housing insecure students, gather useful resources, and get expert tips on finding success in college.

Minority Students & Healthcare Education: Resources for Taking Charge of Your College Experience

Minority students studying to become doctors, nurses, and other allied health professions face a number of unique challenges. If you identify as minority, find key resources and uncover solutions that can make a difference.

Nontraditional Student’s Guide to College Success

Nontraditional students face different hurdles when getting their bachelor’s degree. Learn how to overcome these challenges and have the confidence to succeed.

Preparation Guide for First-Time College Students | EduMed.org

Whether you’re starting out online or in-person, feeling prepared for your first year at college is an important step on the road to school success. Learn how you can ready yourself for college-level studies with advice and resources.

Resources & Support for ESL & ELL College Students | EduMed.org

Explore dozens of carefully vetted resources—including lots that are free—for ESL teachers, students of all ages, and families.

Resources for First-Generation College Students: Finding Support in Higher Education | EduMed.org

Resources and support abound for first-generation college students in healthcare. Discover solutions to common challenges and get financial and expert help.

Resources for Nursing Students Coping with Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can affect anyone, and nursing students are no exception. If you’re going to nursing school, use this guide to learn about the warning signs of eating disorders and how you can get the help you need for recovery.

Student Renters Guide: How to Find Affordable Housing in College

From picking a property that meets your needs and staying within your budget to recognizing rental scams and warning signs, learn how college students can make their first time renting a success.

Timeline for Parents of College-Bound Students

As a parent of a student with dreams of going to college, the process can be just as stressful and overwhelming for you as it is for them. This guide will help you learn about everything you can do to help them prepare for, and succeed in, college.

Visual Disabilities & Online College: How to Navigate Choosing the Right Program

If you have a visual disability, then this guide will help you decide if online school is right for you and choose the right program.

Women in STEM: Options, Opportunities, and Resources

STEM is a rewarding path for women looking at careers in healthcare. Check out these options, opportunities, and resources to help you chart your path to a STEM degree.

Health Professionals

Whether you’ve reached your dream career in healthcare or you’re working one job while going to school to pursue something more advanced, being a healthcare professional doesn’t mean you’re done learning. In fact, most of your learning may still be ahead of you. Healthcare professional, whether a medical assistant or a nurse practitioner, are constantly gaining new knowledge, fine-tuning their existing skills, and taking on new and challenging responsibilities.

The following resources can help you, as a health professional, be a better practitioner, take your skills to new states, expand your professional network, and much more.

Discover a Nursing Organization Near You

If you’re interested in expanding your nursing community, connecting with others in your specialty, or accessing more resources, joining a nursing organization might be right for you. Keep reading to learn more.

How to Combat Burnout: A Guide for Nurses & Nursing Students

Nursing burnout can seriously impact your school and career performance, mental health, and overall well-being. Learn these strategies to combat burnout and stress as a nurse or nursing student.

How to Combat Disparities in Healthcare for Minority Populations

Minority groups often experience huge disparities in quality of and access to healthcare. This guide covers the measures that can be taken to limit or mitigate this, starting with comprehensive diversity training.

Men in Nursing: Challenges, Solutions, Resources & Support

Male nurses and nursing students face unique challenges. Keep reading to explore these challenges (and their solutions) in-depth, and find resources and support services to maximize school and career success.

The Night Shift Nursing Guide: How to Survive Working Off-Hours

Quickly adapt to a night shift schedule with this survival guide. Keep reading to learn tips and tricks to make the transition a smooth one.

A smiling woman with long, wavy brown hair wearing glasses and a purple jacket over a plaid shirt. She appears joyful and is looking directly at the camera.

Shannon Lee, BA AUTHOR

Shannon Lee has been a freelance writer, editor, and novelist for over 25 years. Her work has appeared on Fox Business, Forbes, MSN, Bob Vila, Modernize, Nashville Scene, MoneyGeek, MVP Parent, and many other outlets; her writing on home improvement led to an editorial position with The Spruce in 2021. She's written extensively on higher education, relationships, and the intersection of technology, health, and medicine. When she's not freelancing, Shannon also writes fiction novels.

Read More