For Prospective Students

Each year RPAP places approximately 40 students in rural communities for a continual nine-month experience. Students work under the direct supervision of board-certified community preceptors and other specialists in the community hospital and clinic. Students from a wide variety of backgrounds and experience participate in the program.

Cassidy's Story from Star Tribune on Vimeo.

Read about Alexa's experience in New Ulm.

Benefits

  • One-on-one teaching/mentoring with preceptors
  • Increased confidence and competence in clinical and procedural skills
  • Continuity relationships with patients and extensive hands-on experience
  • Explore business-related aspects of medical practice
  • Examine and treat a large number of patients ranging from newborn to elderly
  • Develop leadership and healthcare finance knowledge
  • Eligible students receive a $16,000 tuition offset and a $4,000 housing stipend and/or free housing at their site. Please visit the FAQ page for more information.

Residency Match 

RPAP graduates consistently match to their top choice programs, with 100% match rates every year and over 90% of graduates matching to one of their top two program choices each year. 

“I strongly feel that RPAP was the single best decision I made during medical school for my career. The independence and confidence you achieve during RPAP is second to none and I feel this made me a very competitive applicant. The hands-on experience and ability to work 1-on-1 with an attending during my third year yielded great results as I transitioned to my fourth year and helped me make a great impression.” -RPAP Alumni

Requirements

  • A student should be a motivated, independent learner
  • Must pass the USMLE Step I Board Exam
  • Solid academic performance in medical school courses; passed all requirements to begin clinical experience
  • Must successfully complete Medicine I clinical clerkship prior to RPAP
  • Immunization schedule must be up-to-date