Example Pathways to Health Care Careers
There are many programs and educational opportunities that can help you begin your health care education whether you are in high school, college, or a returning adult learner. These opportunities continue to expand as you get further into your education and career.
From tours and volunteer opportunities to student organizations and hands-on experiences, the University of Kansas Medical Center and our community partners can help you get where you want to go. The pathways we have outlined below are just examples of opportunities you could pursue and not a requirement for a career in medicine.
Explore the K-PATHS Pipeline Programs site for more options wherever you may be in your health care career.
KU Medical Center High School and College Tours
Available for groups of high school and college students to tour the KU Medical Center campus in Kansas City, Kansas for a first-hand look at a modern academic health center.
Kansas HOSA
Student-led organization that promotes career opportunities in the health industry and offers competitions in a variety of events.
Doc for a Day
Workshops for high school students from Wichita and the surrounding area who are interested in a career in medicine. This event is sponsored by the Family Medicine Interest Group.
Night at the Lab
An exciting program from the KU Medical Center Area Health Education Center created to provide an opportunity for high school students to explore the connections between health and science and showcase their knowledge to the community.
Upward Bound
Federally funded college access programs for high school students that provide fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance.
The KU Medical Center Educational Experience (KEE) provides high school and college undergraduate students and those in the workforce with non-curricular educational opportunities in both clinical and research settings. The benefits of the program range from learning about careers in health care to gaining valuable research experience.
Scholars in Rural Health
Undergraduate students from rural areas may apply during their sophomore year. Those accepted will be mentored and are assured admission to KU School of Medicine.
Pre-Admissions Program
A five-week summer program is designed for college junior and senior students preparing to take the MCAT and apply to medical school.
KU School of Medicine Premedical Student Conference
This one-day event brings together Kansas physicians, scientists, advisors and future medical students.
Kansas Medical Student Loan Program (KMSL)
The loan is awarded on an annual basis, in return for agreements to practice medicine in Kansas after residency. This is open to primary care and psychiatry students.
Jaydoc Clinic
The clinic is completely run by volunteers and serves the people of the Greater Kansas City area. The opportunity is available to undergraduate and graduate students in all disciplines, as well as health professionals.
Summer Training Opportunity in Rural Medicine (STORM)
This program involves active clinical training as well as practice-based research in rural primary care settings across Kansas.
Rural Medicine Interest Group (RMIG)
Open to students from all years and campuses, it is the largest student interest group at KU Medical Center. Rural Medicine Interest Group sponsors activities on and off campus that serve rural interests.
International Educational Experiences
An international clinical experience opens the door to better understand health disparities, health inequities, and community health.
Kansas Recruitment and Retention Center
Services support healthcare providers throughout the job search process and provide assistance in finding the right practice opportunity.
Kansas Bridging Plan
Loan forgiveness program for Kansas primary care resident physicians.
Residency and Felowship Program
A list of residency and fellowship programs, as well as non-accredited programs, overseen by the University of Kansas Medical Center's Graduate and Medical Education Office.
Preceptorship
Support the next generation of physicians by serving as a Preceptor.
K-PATHS
Explore a wide-variety of extended training and fellowship programs.