The next generation of healthcare professionals is learning right here at Phelps Memorial Health Center.

Throughout the year, students from a variety of healthcare programs come to Phelps Memorial to complete clinical rotations and gain hands-on experience alongside our healthcare professionals. From future physicians and physician assistants to radiology, nurse anesthesia and pharmacy students, learning takes place across many areas of our organization.

In 2025 alone, Phelps Memorial hosted 142 students, including high school students participating in job shadow experiences.

For Phelps Memorial, welcoming students is an opportunity to share knowledge, provide meaningful real-world experiences and help prepare future healthcare professionals for the communities they will one day serve.

Learning Across Phelps Memorial

Healthcare is a team effort, and students completing rotations at Phelps Memorial have the opportunity to see that collaboration firsthand.

Depending on their area of study, students may spend time in a variety of clinical settings and departments, including:

  • Phelps Medical Group clinics

  • Imaging

  • Cardiovascular care

  • Anesthesia with Phelps Memorial CRNAs

  • Laboratory

  • Pharmacy

  • Nutrition services with our registered dietitian

Phelps Memorial also welcomes medical students and physician assistant students who work alongside providers and other members of the healthcare team in clinical settings.

Each rotation offers a different perspective on patient care and gives students an opportunity to connect what they have learned in the classroom with real-world experiences.

Exploring Healthcare Careers Through Job Shadowing

Phelps Memorial also provides job shadow opportunities for students who are exploring careers in healthcare. These experiences give students an up-close look at different roles and departments, including Bio-E, and can help them better understand the many career paths available in healthcare.

The Value of Hands-On Experience

Clinical rotations are an important part of preparing for a career in healthcare. Students have the opportunity to observe experienced professionals, ask questions, strengthen their clinical skills and gain a better understanding of how different areas of healthcare work together.

At Phelps Memorial, students also experience healthcare in a rural setting, where collaboration and connection are an important part of caring for patients.

Working alongside Phelps Memorial professionals allows students to learn not only the clinical side of healthcare, but also the importance of communication, teamwork and building relationships with patients.

Teaching Is a Team Effort

Providing meaningful learning experiences would not be possible without the Phelps Memorial team members who welcome students into their departments.

Serving as a preceptor, mentor or resource for a student requires an investment of time and knowledge. Our healthcare professionals have an opportunity to share what they have learned throughout their own careers while helping students build the skills and confidence they will need in theirs.

That exchange benefits everyone involved. Students bring questions, new perspectives and enthusiasm for their chosen fields, while experienced professionals provide the practical knowledge that can only come from caring for patients every day.

From Student to Teammate

For some students, the experience comes full circle. Several current Phelps Memorial and Phelps Medical Group team members once completed rotations here as students before returning to build their careers with our organization, including:

Kam Murray, PA

Trinity Sidders, Imaging

Austin Burt, PA

Sarah McQuistin, CRNA

Carlie Rupe, Nursing

Caitlyn Christiancy, PA

Heather Uhrich, PMG

Their paths are a reminder that student learning experiences can do more than build skills. They can introduce future healthcare professionals to Phelps Memorial, our team and the opportunities available in rural healthcare.

Supporting the Future of Rural Healthcare

Introducing students to rural healthcare is especially important as communities across Nebraska and the country continue to need skilled healthcare professionals.

A clinical rotation may be a student’s first opportunity to experience what working in a rural healthcare setting is really like. At Phelps Memorial, they can see the range of services available, experience the collaborative nature of rural healthcare and discover the many opportunities that exist outside of larger metropolitan areas.

For some students, that experience may even influence where they choose to practice in the future.

Investing in the Next Generation

Every student who spends time at Phelps Memorial represents the future of healthcare.

By opening our doors to students and providing opportunities to learn alongside our team, Phelps Memorial is helping prepare healthcare professionals for what comes next while continuing a culture of learning within our own organization.

Whether a student spends a few weeks in one department or completes multiple experiences throughout our organization, we hope they leave Phelps Memorial with greater knowledge, valuable hands-on experience and an appreciation for the important role rural healthcare plays in the communities we serve.