Getting that perfect letter of recommendation for graduate programs in healthcare isn’t difficult. With a little planning and preparation, you can supercharge your application with letters that spotlight your unique skills and your potential to make a difference.
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One of the most important aspects of any graduate school application are the letters of recommendation.
For healthcare graduate programs especially, the professionals and mentors you select to write recommendation letters on your behalf can make the difference between getting an acceptance and idling on the waitlist.
Because master’s and doctoral programs in healthcare are as much hands-on job training as classroom instruction, it becomes even more crucial to ask for a letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to how you can put your unique skills into practice.
Almost every one of ½ðɳÓéÀÖ’s industry-leading healthcare programs require recommendation letters, which makes those who are proactive about getting them especially prepared for the application process.
With so much at stake, who should you ask and how?
Let us show you how to get a healthcare graduate school letter of recommendation that will enhance your application and highlight your passion for helping others.
How Do I Ask for a Graduate School Letter of Recommendation?
Approaching a professor or supervisor for a letter of recommendation to graduate school can be intimidating. After all, what if they say no?
In reality, almost everyone you ask for a recommendation letter will be eager to help you succeed and encouraging about your professional journey.
Like other graduate programs, getting the perfect letter of recommendation for advanced programs in healthcare starts with reaching out to those who have influenced your passion for the discipline.
When connecting with a potential recommender, keep these tips in mind.
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Explain why you’re choosing graduate school. The best recommendation letter writers are those that can channel your career aspirations into writing.
Whether you want to make an impact in the lives of underserved populations or greatly advance your field of study, let your recommender know so they can highlight your motivation. -
Give them everything they need. In order to write the most complete recommendation letter for graduate school, the people you ask need to be prepared with everything possible that emphasizes your unique talents.
Resumes, college transcripts, prospective program details and relevant deadlines can not only expedite the process, but also give your recommender insight into how you’ve gotten to this point in your career. -
Tell them why they’re the best fit to write your letter. The secret to getting a great letter of recommendation is to communicate with your recommender about why you chose them.
Not only will this make them more invested in your success, but it also helps them remember what about your relationship was important and what they can highlight in their letter.
Who Should Write My Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School in Healthcare?
Who you ask to write letters of recommendation when applying for undergraduate programs is very different from those that you ask to help with your graduate healthcare application.
The main difference between undergraduate and graduate school recommendation letters lies in the relevant experience of your recommender.
While you may ask a family friend or mentor for undergraduate recommendations, when applying for graduate school your demonstrated professional practice should be the focus.
This means that letters from family or friends will generally not be accepted by graduate programs.
So who can write a letter of recommendation to accompany your advanced healthcare degree application?
Because most healthcare programs also require some amount of direct experience — whether through internships, volunteer work or job shadowing — asking supervisors or professional colleagues to speak to your experience is ideal.
The connections you make during and after your undergraduate degree lead to people who can speak easily to your commitment to your desired profession and your demonstrated interest in helping others.
Former and current professors are also good candidates for recommendation letters, but it is generally understood that people actively working in the field that you want to pursue are the strongest candidates for writing letters of recommendation.
So when applying to a graduate school in healthcare, don’t be afraid to ask for a recommendation letter from your employer or former manager, if possible, as they can boost your application significantly.
How Early Should I Ask for a Graduate School Recommendation Letter?
Like most aspects of your graduate healthcare application, getting your materials together as early as possible for requesting a recommendation letter is the best strategy.
You should plan to ask for recommendation letters at the very beginning of the application process, as personal or professional schedules can sometimes delay getting a completed letter from your recommender.
The best way to ensure that you get your letters of recommendation on time is to provide your recommender with everything they need, including information about the specific programs in which you’re interested.
Some recommenders may prefer to be very hands on when writing, which can prolong the time it takes to get your letters submitted, so preparation even before reaching out is key.
In the case of healthcare workers specifically, professional schedules can sometimes include long, unpredictable hours, so making sure they have plenty of time to submit your letter can ensure a smooth application process.
Do All Healthcare Graduate Schools Require Letters of Recommendation?
It has become standard for advanced healthcare programs across the country to require letters or recommendation in order to submit a completed application.
½ðɳÓéÀÖ’s programs are no exception, with all but one of our advanced degree programs requiring letters of recommendation from healthcare professionals familiar with your experience.
But while letters of recommendation have become more ubiquitous, healthcare programs’ use of the GRE has waned, freeing up space in your application cycle to spend more time demonstrating your interests in helping others through healthcare.
Many of ½ðɳÓéÀÖ’s healthcare programs do not require the GRE, instead choosing to focus on the aspects of your application that highlight your character and passions, such as personal essays and recommendation letters.
How Many Letters of Recommendation Do I Need to Apply to Graduate Healthcare Programs?
Most healthcare programs, including those at ½ðɳÓéÀÖ, require between two and three letters of recommendation, with certain degree paths specifying from whom those letters can come.
Some programs, such as physical therapy and physician assistant studies, require letters from professionals in those fields, while others allow for university faculty and colleagues to submit as well.
To help ensure that you have enough letters to meet the application criteria, it is recommended to reach out to more than the minimum number of recommenders and select from those who reply in a timely manner.
The importance of recommendation letters in the healthcare admissions process is significant, and having more than one letter helps highlight different aspects of your personality and experience.
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