Are you a high school junior with a passion for healthcare? Do you dream of making a difference in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, or public health? The Med-Start Health Careers Program at the University of Arizona offers an exceptional 2020 Career Starter Program opportunity to explore your interests and gain a head start in the health professions. This immersive six-week summer program is designed to provide rising high school seniors with invaluable academic enrichment and firsthand experience in the world of healthcare.
Discover Your Path in Healthcare with Med-Start
Founded in 1969 by Dr. Merlin K. “Monte” DuVal, MD, Med-Start was established with a vision to address healthcare needs in rural, reservation, and underserved communities. Recognizing the importance of nurturing talent from these regions, Dr. DuVal created Med-Start to recruit and train students who are passionate about serving these communities. In collaboration with the Arizona Area Health Education Centers (AZ-AHEC), Med-Start empowers young individuals to prepare for future careers in healthcare by offering comprehensive career exploration and college-level coursework in core subjects like English, science, and math.
Participants in this 2020 career starter program will benefit from a rich curriculum that includes engaging professional lectures, enlightening health-related field trips, and hands-on laboratory experiences. Living on the vibrant University of Arizona campus, students will be fully immersed in a college environment, providing a realistic preview of higher education and the demands of health profession studies.
Med-Start is proudly sponsored by the University of Arizona Health Sciences-Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, in partnership with Arizona-Area Health Education Centers. This collaborative effort draws upon the expertise of various University of Arizona colleges, including the College of Medicine, College of Pharmacy, College of Nursing, and College of Public Health, alongside other departments and Arizona healthcare organizations. This multidisciplinary approach ensures a well-rounded and comprehensive learning experience for all participants in this impactful 2020 career starter program.
Ready to Apply? Your Journey Starts Here
(Application available September 1st – February 1st)
To complete your application, ensure you submit the supplemental forms provided below. Download the necessary files to complete your application and send them to Alma Aguirre, Program Manager, via email at [email protected].
To complete the RECOMMENDATION forms, please download them to your computer and fill them out using Adobe Acrobat OR PRINT them and email the completed forms.
ONLY COMPLETED APPLICATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED FOR ACCEPTANCE TO THE PROGRAM
Program Highlights: What Med-Start Offers
This 2020 career starter program is packed with enriching opportunities designed to prepare you for a successful healthcare career:
- College-Level Academics: Earn college credit with courses like College-level English (1 elective credit), Introduction to College Chemistry Lab (1 credit), and Introduction to College Math (1 credit).
- Hands-on Learning: Engage in interactive presentations and demonstrations that bring healthcare concepts to life.
- Expert Insights: Attend special lectures from healthcare professionals, gaining valuable perspectives on diverse career paths.
- Campus Life Immersion: Experience living on the University of Arizona campus and enjoy meals at the UA Student Union.
- Exploration and Discovery: Take tours of healthcare and research facilities and explore various Arizona universities.
- College Readiness Skills: Develop essential skills in College 101 sessions, covering resume building, personal statement writing, university application strategies, scholarship research, time management, financial literacy, and effective study strategies.
Who Should Apply? Eligibility Criteria
Med-Start is looking for motivated high school students who meet the following criteria for this 2020 career starter program:
- Academic Standing: Completion of junior year in high school with a strong interest in a healthcare profession.
- Residency: U.S. citizens or permanent residents and one-year Arizona residents.
- GPA: Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Interview: Successful completion of the interview process.
Med-Start is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all students. Students from ethnic minority backgrounds (Hispanic, Native American, African American), first-generation college students, and/or economically disadvantaged students are especially encouraged to seize this 2020 career starter program opportunity as they 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 duration of the program under the supervision of dedicated Counselors and Staff. Active participation is mandatory – students must attend all presentations, tours, required classes, community service events, weekend activities, and complete all course assignments and research projects.
The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity institution, committed to non-discrimination in its programs and activities.
Explore More: Med-Start 2023 Booklet
Become a Med-Start Counselor: Summer Opportunities for UofA Students
Are you a UofA student interested in a rewarding summer experience? Apply now for counselor (full-time) positions or internships!
Summer Employment and Internship Opportunities for UA Students
<img alt="Smiling group of Med-Start counselors" 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 paid room and board for the 7 weeks of employment.
- Skill Development: Gain invaluable skill-building, leadership, training, and enrichment opportunities.
- Enhanced Job Marketability: Develop skills that will significantly enhance your resume and job prospects.
- Meaningful Relationships: Build trust and lasting positive relationships with students.
- Mentorship Experience: Learn to encourage students, prioritize their needs, and develop your mentoring abilities.
- University and Career Knowledge: Expand your knowledge of Arizona Universities and diverse health professions.
- Leadership Role: Become a mentor and leader, guiding and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals.
- Career Acceleration: Gain meaningful experience that accelerates your path toward your chosen career.
- Resume Building & Recommendations: Strengthen your resume and receive letters of recommendation from UAHS-EDI.
Questions?
For more information about this 2020 career starter program, 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>