Healthcare Experiences
The University of Cincinnati offers healthcare-focused programs through its College of Allied Health Sciences, College of Nursing, and College of Medicine. These programs emphasize experiential learning, equipping students with practical skills and real-world experience essential for thriving in healthcare careers. From hands-on clinical rotations and advanced simulation labs to community engagement and research opportunities, each college provides tailored experiences to prepare students for professional success. Explore the offerings of each college below, and visit their websites for the latest details.
Elisse Martin, a senior, shown in the UC College of Nursing. Photo by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
Elisse Martin, a senior in UC’s College of Nursing from Downers Grove, Illinois, chose nursing for its emphasis on patient-centered care and critical thinking—shifting from her initial dream of becoming a physician. Now immersed in a yearlong paid co-op in UC Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit Float Pool, she’s gaining 500–700 hours of hands-on clinical experience, working full-time in summers and part-time during the school year. Read Nursing co-ops give UC students a head start in patient care to learn more.
College of Allied Health Sciences
The College of Allied Health Sciences at the University of Cincinnati offers a diverse array of programs, many of which integrate clinical and experiential learning opportunities. Key elements include:
Numerous programs incorporate clinical components to provide students with practical, hands-on experience in fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and medical laboratory sciences.
Depending on their specific program, students may be required to complete internships or practicums. These experiences enable students to apply their academic knowledge in professional settings, under the guidance of experienced practitioners.
Some programs utilize advanced simulation labs to offer realistic practice scenarios, often employing cutting-edge technology to replicate real-world healthcare environments.
Students have opportunities to engage in community health projects and service-learning activities, which are crucial for understanding the broader context of healthcare and wellness
Students can participate in research projects, often collaborating with faculty to explore various aspects of health sciences
These experiential learning opportunities are essential for preparing students for careers in allied health fields. For the most current information, please visit the College of Allied Health Sciences' official website or contact their admissions office.
College of Medicine
The College of Medicine at the University of Cincinnati places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, including clinical experiences. Key aspects include:
Integral to the medical curriculum, clinical rotations offer hands-on experience in various medical specialties, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world healthcare settings.
Beyond clinical rotations, the college offers several experiential learning opportunities, including:
- Research Opportunities: Students can engage in medical research projects, often working alongside faculty members.
- Community Engagement: Programs designed to involve students in community service and public health initiatives are crucial for understanding the broader context of healthcare.
- Simulation Labs: These labs provide realistic, controlled environments for students to practice medical procedures and decision-making skills.
Students have the option to participate in elective courses or special programs that offer additional experiential learning opportunities in their areas of interest.
These components are crucial for preparing medical students for their future careers. For the most current information, please visit the College of Medicine's official website or contact their admissions office.
College of Nursing
The College of Nursing at the University of Cincinnati offers unique clinical and experiential learning opportunities within its curriculum. Key components include:
Simulation and skill labs allow students to practice nursing skills and decision-making in a safe, controlled environment that leverages high-fidelity mannequins, VR and other strategies to simulate real-life scenarios.
A core part of the nursing curriculum, these opportunities provide students with hands-on, real-world experiences in diverse settings such as hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations. These experiences help students get exposure to and understanding about the role of nursing in a broad array of settings.
Unique opportunities for hands-on, experiential learning through our undergraduate co-op program, Dedicated Education Units (DEUs) and international clinicals through our Global Programs.
Nursing students can engage in research projects, collaborating with faculty to explore various aspects of healthcare and nursing practice.
These experiences ensure nursing students are well-prepared for their professional roles upon graduation. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the College of Nursing's official website or contact their admissions office.