University of Mississippi Medical Center
Division of Multicultural Affairs
Health Careers Development Program
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I take advantage of the Health Careers Development Program at the UMMC?
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Complete an application packet and mail, email, or submit in person.
Schedule an interview with the Health Careers Development Program coordinator.
Participate in a general orientation session and any additional training needed
2. What are the qualifications/requirements for becoming a participant?
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College students pursuing a career in health care
Classification – at least 2nd Semester Freshman
Priority give to Mississippi Residents
A minimum GPA of 2.5 preferred
We are looking for volunteers who:
 Enjoy working with minimum direction.
 Can act independently within the boundaries outlined in your job description.
 Be serious about your commitment to the Health Career Development Program.
 Have energy and enthusiasm.
3. How long is the program and how often will I work?
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Complete required hours of volunteer and shadowing work (40 hours)
Work on a regular-scheduled basis, minimum 5 hours per week.
Make a commitment to complete the program in 8 weeks.
4. Can I work with patients and what will I be doing?
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Most of our placements involve direct contact with patients and families which may include:
 One-on-one interactive play in the child’s room, in playrooms, in clinics and in waiting areas.
 Visiting with children and families, reading and talking with them.
 Assisting with the transport of patients and/or supplies to various areas of the hospital
 Assisting at reception desks to help patients and visitors find their way around the hospital
 Rocking, holding, and feeding patients
 Provide support/assistance to staff
 Observe patient procedures
 Observe physician rounds
 Observe team based approach to patient care (which may include other disciplines such as
nursing, social work, pharmacy, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, etc).
 Participate in fund-raising events for the hospital (i.e. Children’s hospital telethon) and
other organizations (i.e. Miracle Network)
 Assist with special events
 Performs other duties as assigned
5. May I shadow/volunteer in different areas?
Students participating in the Health Careers Development Program will shadow/volunteer in the Blair
E. Batson Hospital for Children, the Winfred L. Wiser Hospital for Women and Infants, the Wallace E.
Conerly Hospital for Critical Care, and the School of Dentistry. Students will rotate among different
areas within these designated hospitals.
6. Can I change my placement area?
It is recommended that participants stay with their initial assignment(s). If you feel like the assignment
may not meet your needs, you will need to discuss this with the program coordinator.
7. How are placement decisions made?
Placement decisions are made in order to give the participant a broad experience while in the program.
Program participants will rotate among several areas. The eighth week of the program is designed to
give the student shadowing experience in a field that he or she is interested in. A section in the
application allows the applicants to rank their specialties of choice.
8. Can I observe medical procedures or help with medical treatments?
It is our goal to allow students to gain as much experience from this program as possible. As
opportunities arise, students may be placed in these areas for observation.
9. I’ve received professional training (nurse, dental hygienist, counselor, etc). May I practice as a
participant of this program?
You may participate in the Health Careers Development Program. However, participants are not
permitted to act as professional health care providers in the hospital.
10. What happens if I am away?
If you are unable to report to work due to an emergency, you must contact the program coordinator or
designee twenty four hours before you are scheduled to arrive. Each student will receive their schedule
prior to the eight week program beginning. It advised that each student immediately tell the program
coordinator of any conflict that comes up.
11. I have a special skill or hobby that I want to share with children. Can I participate in this capacity?
There is a possibility that we might be able to use your talents. Please let us know if you can offer any
enrichment to our program.
12. If I am unsure about my skills working with children, can I still participate?
Yes. Participants are buddied with a hospital employee to gain confidence and experience.
13. If I want to continue as a volunteer after I have completed the Health Careers Development
Program, can I?
There is a possibility you can continue as a volunteer at UMC. At the completion of the program, you
would need to contact our volunteer service department at 984-2068.
E-mail your questions or comments to mgrady@ci.umsmed.edu Health Careers Development Program, or you
may call us at 601-984-1344.