STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Mississippi's critical need for medical professionals is the reason for a special summer program hosted at Mississippi State University.

Ann Sansing, an instructor with the MSU Extension Service, said the application process to participate in the 2018 Rural Medical and Science Scholars Program is underway. Applications must be postmarked no later than March 30.

"The four-week program, July 7-Aug. 3, gives high school juniors a jump-start on college and the opportunity to explore a career in health or science," said Sansing, program director.

In addition to being academically successful high school juniors, participants must have minimum ACT composite scores of 24 and be Mississippi residents who want to learn about careers in health or science.

Participants take two college-level, pre-med courses during the program. They will shadow doctors to experience the routine practice of medicine and travel to the University of Mississippi Medical Center for a visit. They earn certification as Junior Master Wellness Volunteers and participate in other practical learning activities to help broaden a knowledge base in science, technology, engineering and math careers and opportunities in the health care field.  

A 2010 participant, Marcus Daniels, credited the program with confirming his career plans.

"RMS helped solidify my interest in medicine," Daniels said. "Having the experience of attending college classes, working with talented physicians and learning about the health care field while in high school was the catalyst I needed to apply myself in my classes and activities."

Daniels is finishing his studies at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Additional information, application requirements and instructions are online at http://extension.msstate.edu/RMS.