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New learning community supports students interested in health care careers There’s a new program at UNK designed specifically for students interested in health care careers. The Health Science Explorers Learning Community, a partnership between UNK Health Sciences and Central Nebraska Area Health Education Center, is launching in fall 2020. The one-year residential learning community allows UNK students to learn more about health care professions while receiving support and guidance as they transition to college. “So many students aren’t aware of just how many opportunities there are in health care,” said Brandon Drozd, who is coordinating the learning community. “By exposing them to these careers at an earlier stage, we can ensure students are taking the best path to professional success.” The learning community is designed primarily for incoming freshmen, but it’s also open to transfer students. A declared major isn’t required to participate. Students selected for the Health Science Explorers Learning Community will live together on a designated floor inside the Centennial Towers West residence hall, creating ready-made study groups and social connections among students with shared interests and classes. Each student will also be paired with an upperclassman mentor who lives in the learning community and studies health sciences. During the fall semester, learning community participants will take the same “Opportunities in Health Sciences” course, allowing them to explore health care careers and pursue professional development experiences, including job shadowing, networking and career fairs. Drozd plans to bring in guest speakers from a variety of health care professions and schedule off-campus visits so students can see their work firsthand.
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UNK TODAY
