Cozad Community Health System welcomed a group of 32 students from the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s KHOP for an immersive tour and in-depth exploration of rural healthcare services.

The Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP) is a collaborative effort between UNK and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), designed to recruit and train students from rural Nebraska who are committed to practicing healthcare in these areas. The program offers a scholarship, a specialized curriculum, and guaranteed admission to specified healthcare programs at UNMC upon successful completion of all requirements.

The attendees of this tour represented a variety of future health disciplines, including pre-medical laboratory science, pre-radiologic technology, pre-physical therapy, pre-occupational therapy, pre-medicine, pre-nursing, pre-pharmacy, and pre-physician assistant. These students are part of a select group chosen for their academic excellence and commitment to rural healthcare.

During their visit, the KHOP students received presentations from leaders across various departments at CCHS, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of rural healthcare operations. The departments included: Physical Therapy, Nursing Floor, Administration, Pharmacy, Infusion Services, Business Office, Central Supply, Emergency Department, Quality, Infection Prevention, and Employee Health, Surgery, Health Information Management, Respiratory Therapy, Wound Care, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Radiology and Laboratory Services.

The students participated in detailed discussions with department leaders, gaining insights into the unique opportunities and challenges of providing healthcare in rural settings.

CCHS collaborates with UNK and the KHOP program in an effort to address the healthcare needs of rural Nebraska. By providing students with firsthand experience and exposure to rural healthcare environments, CCHS is helping to cultivate a new generation of healthcare professionals who are well-equipped to serve in these communities.

This partnership not only benefits the students but also strengthens the healthcare infrastructure of rural Nebraska, ensuring that these communities continue to have access to high-quality medical care.