Rural Pathway Program

Program Goals

Thank you for your interest in UMKC’s Rural Medicine Pathway Program, which is currently funded through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

This program is intended to recruit and support prospective current undergraduate students from under-served/under-resourced rural and tribal backgrounds who have a goal of obtaining a medical degree (students at two-year or four-year undergraduate degree granting institutions are eligible to apply).

The Pathway is also appropriate for gap year students and working professionals who want to deepen their experience prior to applying for an enhanced scope of practice.

The primary goal of our program is to increase the number of physicians practicing in these medically underserved areas.

Selection will be based on how well the student application matches with the goals of the UMKC program and HRSA grant.

Program Expectations

Accepted students must sign and return their Program Participation Agreement within two weeks of notification of acceptance.

Attendance is mandatory at monthly virtual activities/seminars and check-ins with your advisor, as well as participation in a minimum of one on-site clinical shadowing experience scheduled in a summer term during the program.

Accepted students are expected to have availability for the required in-person clinical experiences (during specific days) and virtual classes (scheduled evenings/weekends). Some program activities will be considered mandatory for all enrolled, but some flexibility to customize with additional optional enrichment opportunities may be offered.

Students will be provided with stipend support at the end of Summer, Spring and Fall terms of their Pathway enrollment to offset travel, housing, and other expenses.

Good Standing Criteria

Students must maintain good standing with the program in order to qualify for reimbursement and stipend benefits. Students who fail to meet any of the following criteria will lose their status as students in good standing and forfeit:

  • The potential to be recommended for interview with UMKC School of Medicine and application fee reimbursement.
  • The right to waiver of UMKC School of Medicine application fees.
  • The right to any further reimbursement for MCAT preparation courses or testing fees.
  • The right to any further disbursement of stipend funds.
  • The right to a graduation certificate indicating their Good Standing completion.

Good Standing Requirements

Attend Clinical Experience Week

Students must attend the entire five-day in person Clinical Experience Week. Any absences for acute illness or work requirements must be reviewed by program staff.

Attend all program activities

  • Students must attend 10 total activities during the one-year specified duration of the program and ALL required activities (Summer, Fall, Spring) to maintain their eligibility for continued program support. To be considered “in attendance”, students must complete pre-work preparation and arrive on time

Communicate effectively

Students must maintain appropriate and timely communications with program staff and peer advisors, which is defined as:
  • Response to program communications within 48 hrs of email messaging
  • Maintenance of minimum one hour monthly meeting with an assigned peer advisor

Maintain academic standards

If enrolled in coursework, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA and Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math GPA of 3.2.

Display professionalism

Students must display professionalism in all aspects of their participation in programming activities, which includes:
  • A record of prompt, prepared attendance at required events
  • Appropriate behavior and dress at all clinical encounters
  • Appropriate, timely and effective communications with program staff

Support Benefits and Guidelines

The Rural Medicine Pathway is intended to reduce many barriers for students interested in rural medicine, including financial, geographic and clinical. Here are some of the benefits and supports Pathway students in good standing can expect to recieve.

No cost housing for Clinical Experience Week

Student housing will be provided at no cost to the student for Clinical Experience Week.

Stipend for expenses

A stipend of $300 per semester for Summer, Fall and Spring. The $900 total will be disbursed at the end of the term to offset additional expenses for students in good standing with the program. Students' good standing status will be confirmed prior to awarding the stipend. Note: receiving a stipend may affect financial aid packages if currently enrolled. Please consult with your financial aid officer prior to accepting.

Discounted MCAT Preparation


Discounted MCAT preparation resources are available through NWMO AHEC (see their website for details). Princeton Review Self-Paced or MCAT 515 voucher prep courses can be reimbursed from 25-50% with proof of payment immediately upon purchase by the student.
  • The Pathway program will reimburse 25% of discounted course costs up front for students in good standing at the time of course purchase.
  • An additional 25% of these costs will be reimbursed after providing proof of completing 80% of the engagement with available prep course activities, including attendance (when tracked), assignments and practice exams.
  • A final 25% of discounted course costs will be reimbursed upon submission of an MCAT score report documenting a score of 505 or higher.
  • The total student responsibility equals 25% of the discounted course cost if the above criteria are met.
  • MCAT examination fee for one exam will be reimbursed if a score of 505 or above is achieved.

Reimbursed application costs

Application costs (primary and secondary application) to UMKC School of Medicine will be reimbursed.

Evaluation for admissions interview

Pathway students who apply to the UMKC School of Medicine during or after their tenure with the program will be considered for advancement to the interview phase of application in School of Medicine admissions.

Each student's record of participation and performance will be reviewed by the Rural Pathway Committee prior to extending this advantage to confirm good standing and appropriate metrics.

Ready to Apply?

Review application requirements