More than 60 high school seniors have been selected for the Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP) at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK). This initiative aims to address the ongoing shortage of healthcare providers in the state by training future professionals committed to serving rural communities. The students will begin their academic journeys this fall, representing various regions from the Panhandle to the Missouri River.
The incoming cohort was chosen based on their academic accomplishments, leadership qualities, and dedication to practicing in rural or medically underserved areas. “These students represent the future of health care in Nebraska,” stated Peggy Abels, director of UNK Health Sciences. “The work they begin at UNK will have a ripple effect across the state, expanding access to care, strengthening local health systems, and ultimately improving the quality of life for countless Nebraskans.”
Addressing Healthcare Disparities
According to data from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, over 80% of the state’s health diagnosing and treating practitioners are concentrated in metropolitan areas, leaving many regions federally designated as medically underserved. The KHOP program is specifically designed to counter this imbalance by recruiting students from rural backgrounds and supporting their professional training.
Launched in 2010, KHOP offers financial aid, academic support, and professional development for students pursuing careers in twelve different health professions, including nursing, medicine, and pharmacy. Many participants benefit from full-tuition scholarships to attend UNK and secure guaranteed admission to UNMC upon fulfilling program requirements.
The Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex allows students to complete both undergraduate and professional training in Kearney, ensuring they are well-prepared to serve their communities. This approach reflects a collaborative commitment between UNK and UNMC to educate providers closer to the areas they are most likely to serve.
Building a Community of Future Healthcare Leaders
First-year participants in the KHOP Learning Community live together in a residential setting that fosters structured academic support and early exposure to health careers. Students engage with healthcare providers, tour medical facilities, and build connections that will aid them in their professional journeys. Each member of the KHOP Learning Community receives a scholarship of $2,000 during their first year.
With over 170 students currently enrolled in KHOP, this fall’s incoming class of 67 high school seniors marks the second-largest in the program’s history. “The continued interest in KHOP shows that students across Nebraska are ready to step up and address the health care challenges facing our state,” Abels added. “We’re excited to welcome these outstanding individuals into our community and look forward to supporting them as they prepare to make a meaningful impact in the years ahead.”
For more information about the KHOP program, visit unk.edu/khop, call 308-865-8260, or email [email protected].
The following students will begin the Kearney Health Opportunities Program this fall:
Alliance: Makenna Quick (physical therapy)
Arcadia: Jillian Hurlburt (radiography)
Ashby: Evan Merrihew (pharmacy)
Atkinson: Pavan Larson (nursing)
Aurora: Madelyn Ramaekers (physician assistant)
Beatrice: Natalie Parde (dentistry)
Bennet: Ryan Mayo (dentistry)
Blair: Declan McCabe (medicine)
Broken Bow: Erin Taylor (pharmacy)
Grand Island: Multiple students in various fields including dentistry and medicine.
These selected students reflect a diverse range of aspirations and a shared commitment to enhancing healthcare access in Nebraska.
