The Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP) is a cooperative program between the University of Nebraska at Kearney and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The purpose is to recruit high school students from rural Nebraska and prepare them to return and practice healthcare in rural Nebraska. To apply, you must have applied and been admitted to UNK. Access the online application below and click on “Admitted Incoming Freshmen.” The KHOP application deadline is December 1.

Note: In order to be considered for KHOP,  a minimum ACT composite score of 23 is required AND students must complete the science portion of the ACT. Superscores are not considered. View full requirements.

Apply to KHOP

Contact


If you have questions about KHOP, contact UNK Health Sciences:

Peggy Abels, abelsp@unk.edu

Phone: 308-865-8260

Discover KHOP

Get an overview of the Kearney Health Opportunities Program and hear from students about why they chose to start their medical careers at UNK. View the brochure

Benefits of KHOP

  • Students selected for KHOP will receive a full tuition scholarship to UNK for up to 120 credit hours.
  • Students will follow a special curriculum and participate in professional development activities at UNK that will prepare them for their healthcare program at UNMC.
  • Students receive admission to their specified healthcare program at UNMC upon satisfactory completion of all requirements within the prescribed timeline.
  • Freshmen students are part of the KHOP Learning Community that includes a Learning Community scholarship. Situated in Centennial Towers West, this vibrant community unites KHOP students and provides four KHOP upperclassmen mentors, nurturing both their academic and personal growth. Students have the advantage of an instant study group of peers who are enrolled in similar courses. They can participate in a mentoring program and various professional development opportunities through CN AHEC.

Who Can Apply?

  • Have a sincere interest in becoming a healthcare provider in: Dentistry, Dental Hygiene, Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Nutrition, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Radiography, Physical Therapy, and Physician Assistant.
  • Have a willingness to practice healthcare in rural Nebraska.
  • Must receive a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Have scored a minimum ACT composite of 23 and must have completed the science portion of the ACT. Superscores are not considered.
  • Must be a rural Nebraska resident. Students from the following cities and towns are not considered rural and therefore are not eligible: Omaha, Ralston, Boys Town, Elkhorn, Lincoln, Bellevue, Papillion, LaVista, Chalco, Offutt Air Force Base.*

How to Apply

  • The KHOP application deadline is December 1.
  • You must apply to UNK and be admitted before you can apply to KHOP.
  • Access the online application; click on “Admitted Incoming Freshmen.”
  • You must set up a user name and password to complete the online application.
  • If you have trouble logging into MyBLUE or have forgotten your NUID, contact the UNK Information Technology Help Desk at 308-865-8363.

Apply to KHOP

Cat Blomstedt

“The KHOP program at UNK is something I highly recommend to any small-town Nebraska student interested in rural healthcare. It offers a strong sense of community through its supportive learning environment, while also providing valuable firsthand experiences in rural settings through engaging activities and hospital visits. KHOP challenges you to grow and succeed—while making the journey a truly rewarding experience!"

Cat Blomstedt

Pre-Medicine

*Special Note
The College of Dentistry, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, the College of Allied Health Professions, and College of Medicine at UNMC have all agreed on the rural residency status eligibility guidelines for the KHOP/RHOP Programs.