By Sara Hinds
For students interested in healthcare careers, undergraduate degrees are a stepping stone. Some sort of graduate or professional program is required for many healthcare pathways. But at Doane University, students have opportunities and support that helps them leverage their undergraduate experience, not just their degree, in graduate school applications.
Opportunities like the Health and Medical Professions Expo, which took place March 23 in Nyrop Hall. Rebecca Sprouse, director of pre-health programs, organized the event alongside Sarah Begay, associate director of Career Center, and Jeff Morrison, employer relations coordinator.
“I currently teach an exploration class for health careers, and this was an opportunity that I saw to invite professionals who typically attend our class to be campus-facing and give all of our pre-health student population an opportunity to connect and build those relationships, not just students in the class,” Sprouse said.
More than 100 students visited and spoke with the 25 healthcare professional programs and employers in attendance.
The event was a success for every group involved. Students received feedback on their portfolios and resumes and built relationships that’ll prove paramount when they apply for grad school. Programs and employers witnessed how intentional and dedicated Doane students are. And Doane cemented itself as no longer a stepping stone, but a launch pad that professional schools shouldn’t overlook.
During the event Sprouse heard from multiple employers and professionals about the strength and preparedness of Doane students, pushing them toward the top of application pools. After the expo, Sprouse said the admissions team at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine added Doane to its list of schools they provide semesterly office hours to.
“From this event, not only were students able to make connections, but I was also able to network with programs to discuss future articulation agreements because they want Doane students in their cohorts,” Sprouse said. “It's incredibly valuable for our students and me on behalf of Doane to maintain these relationships with professional health programs and professionals to build community and place our students in a position of success.”
