RUSH Program

Rural Undergraduate Shadowing in Healthcare (RUSH)

Program Description

The Rural Undergraduate Shadowing in Healthcare Program (RUSH) is designed to provide participants with a unique experience that offers insight into what it is like to practice a health profession in rural West Virginia. As a RUSHer, you will:

  • Shadow a rural practitioner for a total of 20 hours during specific dates agreed upon by the participating practitioner and the student
  • Receive a participation award of $300 administered through the WVU Financial Aid office after shadow completion. 
  • Work with the WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health and the WVU Pre-Health Professional Development Office to identify other rural-related programs relevant to your chosen health profession discipline including research and service activities
  • Meet one or more times with the Pre-Health Professional Development Office to put together your professional school application including guidance on class choice, writing a personal statement, mock interviews, and obtaining a committee letter
  • Meet with an admissions counselor in your chosen graduate education field of study to learn about the graduate/professional school application process
  • You may also have the chance to participate in an activity with the regional Area Health Education Center (AHEC) during the shadowing experience.

Eligibility

Must be a current WVU student in good academic standing that is planning to pursue a health career with the long-term goal of practicing in rural and/or underserved areas of West Virginia in one of the following disciplines: Medicine-Family Medicine, Nursing, Physical Therapy or Dentistry. The application is now open. Program Materials must be reviewed prior to submitting your application:

Rural Undergraduate Shadowing in Healthcare Program Information and Requirements

RUSH Program Release Form Example

WVU Sharps Policy

Application

FERPA form

If you have any questions, contact:

Christie Zachary, MS
Program Manager for Student Outreach and Marketing
WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health
Morgantown, WV 26506-9009
christie.zachary@hsc.wvu.edu