Are you a high school junior with a passion for healthcare and wondering how to begin your journey in this rewarding field? The Med-Start Health Careers Program offers an immersive and enriching six-week summer experience designed to provide 11th-grade students like you with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to explore and pursue careers in healthcare. This program, hosted at the University of Arizona, is your launchpad into the world of medicine and health sciences.
Med-Start has a rich history, established in 1969 by Dr. Merlin K. “Monte” DuVal, MD, with a vision to address healthcare disparities in rural, reservation, and underserved communities. Recognizing the critical need for healthcare professionals in these areas, Dr. DuVal initiated Med-Start to recruit and train students from these very regions. Today, Med-Start continues this mission in collaboration with the Arizona Area Health Education Centers (AZ-AHEC), guiding young individuals towards fulfilling careers in health. The program bridges the gap between high school and higher education by offering college-level coursework, career exploration, and hands-on experiences, all while living on a university campus.
Med-Start is a collaborative initiative spearheaded by the University of Arizona Health Sciences-Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, partnering with Arizona-Area Health Education Centers. It brings together the expertise and resources of various colleges within the University of Arizona, including the College of Medicine, College of Pharmacy, College of Nursing, and College of Public Health, alongside other university departments and healthcare organizations across Arizona. This partnership ensures a comprehensive and multifaceted learning experience for participants.
What Med-Start Offers to Aspiring Healthcare Professionals
Med-Start provides a robust curriculum and a vibrant campus life, giving you a taste of what a future in healthcare could be like. Here’s a glimpse into what the program offers:
- College Credit Courses: Earn college credit while still in high school! Med-Start includes a college-level English course (1 elective credit), an Introduction to College Chemistry Lab (1 credit), and Introduction to College Math (1 credit). These courses provide a head start on your college education and strengthen your academic foundation.
- Hands-on Learning: Beyond traditional lectures, Med-Start emphasizes experiential learning. You’ll engage in hands-on presentations, demonstrations, and lab experiences, making learning interactive and memorable.
- Health Career Insights: Gain firsthand knowledge about diverse healthcare professions through special lectures from experts in various fields. These sessions offer valuable insights into different career paths, helping you make informed decisions about your future.
- Campus Immersion: Live the university life! Participants reside in University of Arizona residence halls and dine at the UA Student Union Campus. This immersive experience allows you to adjust to a college environment and build lasting friendships with like-minded peers.
- Exploration and Discovery: Med-Start extends beyond the classroom with tours of healthcare and research facilities, as well as visits to other Arizona universities. These tours broaden your understanding of the healthcare landscape and the educational opportunities available within the state.
- College Readiness Skills: Preparing for college is a crucial aspect of Med-Start. The program includes “College 101” sessions focusing on essential skills such as resume building, writing compelling personal statements and university applications, researching scholarships, and developing vital life skills like time management, financial literacy, and effective study strategies.
Who Should Apply for Med-Start?
Med-Start is designed for motivated high school students who are ready to take the first step towards a healthcare career. Eligibility requirements include:
- Academic Standing: Applicants must be high school students who have completed their junior year and possess a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Residency and Citizenship: All students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and have been Arizona residents for at least one year.
- Interview Process: Successful applicants must complete an interview as part of the selection process.
- Commitment to Healthcare: A strong interest in pursuing a healthcare profession is essential.
- Encouraged Applicants: Med-Start is committed to diversity in healthcare. Students from ethnic minority backgrounds (Hispanic, Native American, African American), first-generation college students, and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply, as these groups are historically underrepresented in healthcare professions.
The Med-Start Tucson program is a fully residential program. All participants are required to live in a University of Arizona residence hall for the entire six weeks, under the guidance of dedicated Counselors and Staff. Full participation is expected, including attendance at all presentations, tours, classes, community service activities, weekend events, and completion of all course assignments and research projects.
Ready to Apply?
Take the first step towards your healthcare career by applying to the Med-Start Health Careers Program!
(Application available September 1st – February 1st)
To complete your application, you will need to submit supplemental forms. Please download and complete the forms below and send them to Alma Aguirre, Program Manager, via email at [email protected].
*To complete the RECOMMENDATION forms, please download them onto your computer and fill them out using Adobe Acrobat OR PRINT them and email completed forms. ONLY COMPLETED APPLICATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED FOR ACCEPTANCE TO PROGRAM.
Opportunities for University of Arizona Students
Are you a UofA student looking to gain leadership experience and contribute to the next generation of healthcare professionals? Med-Start offers summer employment as counselors and non-paid internships for UA students. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop invaluable skills, build your resume, and mentor high school students.
summer employment opportunities and non paid-internships for UA Students
<img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/picture10.jpg"></img>Benefits of Becoming a Med-Start Counselor:
- Paid Room and Board: Live in a UA Residence Hall with all expenses covered for the duration of the program.
- Skill Development: Enhance your leadership, training, and skill-building abilities.
- Career Advancement: Develop skills that significantly improve your job marketability.
- Meaningful Relationships: Build trust and create lasting positive relationships with students.
- Mentorship Experience: Learn how to encourage and guide students, putting their needs first.
- University and Career Knowledge: Gain in-depth knowledge about Arizona universities and diverse health professions.
- Leadership Role: Become a mentor and leader, making a real difference in students’ lives.
- Resume Building: Strengthen your resume and obtain letters of recommendation from UAHS-EDI.
Questions?
For more information about the Med-Start program or application process, please contact Alma Aguirre, BS, Program Manager, via email at [email protected] or call 520-621-3708.
<em>This website is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under grant number D18HP32129 Health Careers Opportunity Program, as part of an award totaling $3,199,800 with 80 percent financed with non</em><em>-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.</em>