KU PreHealth Experiential Opportunities

KU PreHealth Experiential Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities  

 

Opportunities in Lawrence

KU Center for Community Outreach: Check out KU’s volunteer platform to see every volunteer need through the 12 CCO programs as well as various non-profits and community partners in Douglas County!  



National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: the crisis center that serves people from all over the state of Kansas. Our programs are operated by volunteer counselors, who are trained and supervised by our Director of Counseling, Kristin Vernon LMSW. 



Heartland Community Health Center: is a safety net clinic that provides for physical, oral, and behavioral health. Students can either work with a certifications (CAN, phlebotomy, medical assistant) or volunteer. 



Hospice Care: Visiting Nurses Hospice House allows students to be a patient companion or visit patients at a care facility. Students can choose once a week or once a month – they can also choose to volunteer full year, academic year, or summers.



Lawrence Community Shelter Medical Services: The mission of the Lawrence Community Shelter is to provide a safe shelter and comprehensive programs that set individuals and families facing homelessness on a path to a positive future. In collaboration with numerous local agencies and resources, our Case Managers promote the physical and mental well-being of each individual and family at the shelter. 



Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department: Job, intern, and volunteer opportunities available. Visit our careers site to learn more about opportunities available.

Lawrence Memorial Hospital Lawrence Memorial Hospital (LMH): a great for most health professions. Students start the process at the Volunteer Services office off the west lobby.



Special Needs Summer Camp Volunteer (multiple listings across the country): Special needs camps for boys and girls that focus on the challenges of ADHD, Autism, physical disabilities, weight loss, diabetes, and many other special needs that children face. 



Stormont Vail Health (Cotton O’Neil Clinic and Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, KS): If you are interested in volunteering in a healthcare setting this academic school year, please go online to, “Give & Volunteer” tab and click on the “Youth Volunteer Program – Academic School Year” at the bottom of the page. Space is limited so it is important to submit your application and accompanying information as soon as you can. 



Trinity In-Home Care: Trinity will pay students to do home health care and they’re very flexible with hours. Students can work as little as two hours per week. They like to have CNAs, but they’re not required. 



Best Buddies and Natural Ties are very active student organizations on campus. They do weekly activities with people with special needs. 



Midnight Farm offers horseback riding lessons and agricultural experiences for people with disabilities. Students can contact Kelli Fisher, Program Director, at kellifisher@clokan.org for information about current volunteer openings. 



The Roger Hill Volunteer Center: is a clearing house for local opportunities. They constantly update their website, so if students don’t find anything of interest, check back in a couple days.

 

Opportunities in Kansas City

The American Stroke Foundation: The American Stroke Foundation provides meaningful experiences to students preparing for careers in health care. We have nurtured aspiring nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech and language pathologists at various stages of their education.

Opportunities are available for: 

  • Observation and short-term, hands-on experience for those exploring career options or applying to academic programs. 
  • Occupational therapy Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences (part-time and full-time). 
  • Social work practicum experiences. 

Please contact the American Stroke Foundation if you are interested. 



Children's Mercy Volunteer: Our college student volunteers are integral to our work serving the families at Children’s Mercy and each role is equally important in our mission to transform the lives of children in our care. 



By volunteering at Children’s Mercy, you’re stepping up to support thousands of kids facing illness or injury and their families — and that’s a big deal. While you won’t be able to shadow the medical staff or watch procedures, you will be an important supporting member of the team, providing comfort and creating the best experience possible for families visiting Children’s Mercy. 

MS Achievement Center :The MS Achievement Center (located within the University of Kansas Medical Center) exists to enhance the quality of life for people with advanced multiple sclerosis (MS). We accomplish this by providing a comprehensive program of physical rehabilitation, psychological support, social activities and health education for members and their families.

TeamSmile: the nation’s premier advocacy group that partners oral health professionals with professional athletic organizations to provide life-changing dental care to underserved children in our communities. By partnering with professional sports organizations, we create an experience that develops bonds between children’s organizations, oral health professionals, surrounding communities, and the athletes that solidify the message that oral health care is vitally important to long-term health.

Shadowing Opportunities

Shadowing opportunities can be difficult to come by and require networking with family, friends, volunteering, co-workers, and campus connections. Don’t be afraid to utilize your and expand network! The good news is, health professionals know that it’s a vital part of your education and giving back. Typically, if you are able to find a sponsor within a hospital or clinic the application process goes more smoothly. If you’re having trouble finding shadowing opportunities, asking for a 15-20 minute informational interview with someone is a great way to break the ice. From there, discussing shadowing opportunities is a very natural progression. Here is a list of places that offer shadowing options for pre-med students:

 

PreHealth International Experiences