College students interested in a career in rural healthcare can apply for a program to observe healthcare professionals at Taylorville Memorial Hospital.

The nonprofit hospital is participating with the National Center for Rural Health Professions, which offers the Rural Health Experience, a program in which students can follow clinicians and learn about healthcare in a rural setting for three to five days.

Seven hospitals, including Taylorville Memorial, will participate in the Rural Health Experience this summer. The early application deadline is May 14. After that date, applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis.

"The Rural Health Experience is a fantastic opportunity for students who are interested in a healthcare career in a rural setting," said Kim Bourne, president and CEO of Taylorville Memorial Hospital. "It's part of our long-term strategy to help attract primary-care physicians who want to practice in rural areas."

The ideal candidate is from a rural community and currently enrolled in a health professions program, according to the National Center for Rural Health Professions. They should have completed their sophomore year of college by the start of the summer program.

For application information, visit the National Center for Rural Health Professions website at NCRHP.uic.edu.