Student Pathways

Start Your Journey With Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences

Discover Your Future

Whether youโ€™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, youโ€™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 โ€” 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 YouScienceย to empower individual success for students. YouScienceโ€™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 studentโ€™s unique aptitude and interests. Students can use these results to guide their educational journey and plan for the future.

Contactย DMUAdmit@dmu.eduย for additional information and to receive a login to use this tool.

High School Pre-Health Summit

Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026

DMUโ€™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.

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Mini Medical School

Tuesdays in February

Whether youโ€™re just starting to explore medical careers or youโ€™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.

Youโ€™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 DMUโ€™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.

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A student wearing a lab coat examines a specimen through a microscope during DMUโ€™s Young Scientist Program.

Young Scientist Internship

Summer and Fall 2026

The Young Scientist Internship 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? DMUโ€™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 โ€” all in a fun, supportive environment designed to inspire future health care heroes.

Registration opens in February each year. Spots fill quickly, so donโ€™t miss out.

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.

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Learn More About DMU

Weโ€™re excited you are considering a career in medicine and health sciences!ย 

Learn more about DMU or follow us for the latest updates.

10

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

Photo of Dr. George Rust

Des Moines University Names 2026 Commencement Speaker

George Rust, MD, MPH, FAAFP, FACPM, author of โ€œHealing in a Changing America: Doctoring in a Nation of Needless Suffering,โ€ย willย deliver the keynote addressย atย Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciencesโ€™ย 2026 Commencement ceremonyย in May.ย 

David Connett, DO, FACOFPย (dist.)

David Connett, DO, FACOFPย (dist.),ย Named Presidentโ€‘Elect of the ACOFP Board

David Connett, DO, FACOFPย (dist.),ย dean of the Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, has been named presidentโ€‘elect of the American College of Osteopathic Familyย Physicianโ€™sย Board of Governors.ย 

Person seated at a wooden desk in a modern office workspace, facing a desktop computer displaying charts, graphs and data visuals. The desk includes a keyboard, mouse, sticky notes and a small potted plant, with additional computer monitors and office supplies visible in the background.

Des Moines University Launchesย Iowaโ€™s Only Onlineย Epidemiology Concentration

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciencesย has launchedย aย new epidemiology concentrationย in its Master of Public Health program, becomingย the onlyย universityย in Iowaย to offerย theย concentrationย fully online.

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