More than 120 undergraduate students and their faculty advisors representing three rural health academic pipeline programs spent two days exploring health careers at UNMC on Sept. 24 and 25. The students come from the University of Nebraska at Kearney as well as three state colleges — Peru State, Chadron State and Wayne State.
Each year, students enrolled in the Public Health Early Admissions Student Track (PHEAST), the Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP), and the Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP) visit UNMC to get a glimpse into their future as a UNMC student.
During the visit, students have the opportunity to learn more about their future careers in the allied health professions, dentistry, dental hygiene, medicine, nursing, pharmacy or public health. Students also get to connect with current students in their declared health profession training programs and gain information and tips on how to be prepared to thrive at UNMC.
“The annual visit to UNMC is an outstanding opportunity for our future students to visualize themselves on campus, in their health profession training program, and as a future health care provider,” said Nikki Carritt, deputy director of the Nebraska Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Program.
“At the same time, it is an opportunity for faculty and staff across UNMC to demonstrate our support and commitment to making their dreams of providing health care in Nebraska’s rural communities come true,” she said.
While at UNMC the students toured the campus, listened to presentations on financial aid, housing and how to prepare academically to meet the rigors of a health professions education.
The students also learned about the importance of leadership across the health professions and learned stress relieving techniques they can use in their everyday lives.
The visit was coordinated by the Nebraska AHEC Program, Rural Health Education Network and UNMC Office of Student Services.