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Health Careers in Mississippi

The Need:
  • 49th out of 50 states in the number of physicians per person
  • 100 less nurses per 100,000 people than the national average
  • Last in the nation in the number of dentists, dental hygienists as well as psychiatrists and psychologists.
The Opportunity:
  • Between 1998 and 2008, the combined projected growth for RNs, LPNs, home health aides and nurses aids will result in almost 10,000 new jobs in Mississippi
  • More than 300 new Mississippi jobs projected in each of the following fields:
    • Medical records
    • Emergency medical technicians (EMTs)
    • Respiratory therapists
    • Surgical technicians
    • Physical therapists

 

Addressing the Need:

Rural Medical Scholars Program

Rural Medical Scholars will be held from May 30 to July 1, 2010.  Please check back in early to mid November 2009 for updated program information and an application form.

Image shows the shape of Mississippi with faces of Rural Medical Scholars

The Rural Medical Scholars Program is an opportunity for high school students between their junior and senior years to learn more about careers as Family Practice physicians. An intense, rigorous program, it provides significant insight into the academic requirements necessary to becoming a physician coupled with a real world look at the day-to-day practice of medicine and some of the issues relevant to the work and personal life of rural physicians.

The Scholars participate in a 5-week summer program at Mississippi State University. They take two pre-med courses (Principles of Zoology and Pre Calculus), spend a few afternoons "shadowing" a physician in a hospital or clinical setting, tour a major medical facility, and attend a lecture series relevant to the interests of an aspiring physician. To help launch their college career, a study skills workshop kicks-off the program.

Program recruitment begins early in the year. Each of the state's 15 community colleges selects and sponsors two candidates from their district. Candidates must meet all criteria of the program.

Have questions? Check out the FAQ's.
You may also view the brochure ( PDF or HTML) and the application.

Rural Medical Scholars Alumni

2006 Rural Medical Scholars Alumni on their way to becoming members of the Medical School Class of 2015!
2005 Rural Medical Scholars Alumni on their way to becoming members of the Medical School Class of 2014!

2004 Rural Medical Scholars Alumni on their way to becoming members of the Medical School Class of 2013!

2003 Rural Medical Scholars Alumni on their way to becoming members of the Medical School Class of 2012!

2002 Rural Medical Scholars Alumni on their way to becoming members of the Medical School Class of 2011!

2001 Rural Medical Scholars Alumni on their way to becoming members of the Medical School Class of 2010!

2000 Rural Medical Scholars Alumni on their way to becoming members of the Medical School Class of 2009!

1999 Rural Medical Scholars Alumni on their way to becoming members of the Medical School Class of 2008!

1998 Rural Medical Scholars Alumni on their way to becoming members of the Medical School Class of 2007!

More information on Health Career Opportunities?

For additional information about health career opportunities in Mississippi and nationally visit the following websites:
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