Discover Your Future
Whether you’re just getting curious or are already planning your path, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences offers engaging experiences to help you envision your future in medicine and health science.
You can start as early as fourth grade with hands-on events like GEMS and BROS, then dive deeper in high school through the Pre-Health Summit, Mini Medical School, Young Scientist Program and Young Scientist Internship.
College students can gain valuable insight and experience through the Health P.A.S.S. program. Plus, with tools like YouScience, you’ll discover your strengths and how they align with careers in health care.
At every stage of your journey, DMU provides opportunities to learn, grow and take your next step with confidence. Our admissions team is ready to support you — connect with us so we can partner together on your path to a rewarding career in medicine and health science.
Tools to Help Every Student With Their Career Pathway
DMU is partnering with YouScience to empower individual success for students. YouScience’s aptitude-based guidance platform helps students determine educational and career pathways that match their individual strengths. YouScience uses a series of brain games to identify a student’s unique aptitude and interests. Students can use these results to guide their educational journey and plan for the future.
Contact DMUAdmit@dmu.edu for additional information and to receive a login to use this tool.
High School Pre-Health Summit
Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
DMU’s High School Pre-Health Summit is designed to help you explore the opportunities we have to offer in the health sciences. The event is run by current DMU students who were in your shoes not too long ago! Through this virtual event, you can interact with our students while also learning more about your path to a career in health science.
Mini Medical School
Tuesdays in February
Whether you’re just starting to explore medical careers or you’re looking to deepen your understanding of medical sciences, our Mini Medical School event offers high school and college students hands-on insight into the world of health care.
You’ll work alongside DMU faculty and students to explore how doctors evaluate symptoms and understand the causes, management and prevention of various conditions.
Young Scientist Program
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
Held in conjunction with DMU’s annual Research Symposium, the Young Scientist Program invites high school students to campus for interactive sessions and hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of scientists and health care professionals.
Young Scientist Internship
Summer and Fall 2026
The Young Scientist Internship sponsored by Microsoft offers high school students a hands-on research experience unlike anything in a textbook. Work alongside DMU faculty mentors, develop real research skills and present your findings at the Young Scientist Program Symposium in November.
Health P.A.S.S.
Jump Start Your Future in Health Care
Thinking about medical or health professions school? DMU’s Health P.A.S.S. gives you a competitive edge. Designed for undergraduate students, this free, three-week summer program helps you explore careers in medicine, health care and science while building skills that set future health professionals apart.
Early Exploration Opportunities
At DMU, we love sparking curiosity early. Our Girls Exploring Medicine and Science and Boys Reaching for Opportunities in Science programs invite fourth- through seventh-grade students to explore the world of health care and science through hands-on learning.
Participants dive into activities like exploring human anatomy, practicing how to scrub in for surgery and even creating casts for injured limbs — all in a fun, supportive environment designed to inspire future health care heroes.
Registration opens in February each year. Spots fill quickly, so don’t miss out.
Regional Simulation Center
Explore health care careers through hands-on simulation at the Regional Simulation Center at DMU32. High school and undergraduate students can practice patient care skills, experience realistic clinical scenarios and gain exposure to a variety of health care settings.
Designed to build confidence and career awareness, the Regional Simulation Center offers immersive learning experiences using advanced simulation technology and realistic care environments.
Additional costs may apply and vary by type of experience.
Get in Touch to Get Started
The DMU admissions team is here to support you! Get in touch so we can partner together on your path to a rewarding future in medicine and the health sciences.
Learn More About DMU
We’re excited you are considering a career in medicine and health sciences!Â
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11
graduate degree programs in medicine and the health sciences
#1 City
Iowa's central location makes it particularly accessible, and Greater Des Moines is one of the most affordable places to live in the U.S.
1,600
approximate total student enrollment
Latest News
DMU Student Named to AMA’s Council on Medical Education
Jordan Samuel, MSA’23, DO’27, was recently appointed as the medical student representative to the American Medical Association’s Council on Medical Education — a key body focused on policy and recommendations for medical education, accreditation and the physician workforce.Â
DMU Students Recognized for Statewide Occupational Therapy Outreach
Students in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences recently won the Promote OT Challenge for the state of Iowa.Â
Polk County Health Department and Des Moines University Launch Academic Health Department Partnership
The Polk County Health Department and DMU have formally established an Academic Health Department partnership, creating a collaborative relationship that connects public health practice, education, research and workforce development.