HPREP 2025: Preparing the next Generation of health professionals

Earlier this summer, Campbell University's Ransdell Family Health Professions Readiness & Enrichment Program (HPREP) welcomed a new cohort of aspiring health professionals to campus.

The five-day program, designed to cultivate diverse and competitive applicants, provides rising college sophomores, juniors and seniors with an immersive look at careers in pharmacy, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant practice, pharmaceutical sciences, clinical research, public health, nursing and biomedical sciences.

Through a mix of interdisciplinary labs, workshops, seminars, and case studies, students explored healthcare fields while building meaningful connections with Campbell faculty, staff, current graduate students, and alumni.

"HPREP is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in future health professionals," said Shari McGuire, assistant dean for admissions. "The program not only introduces students to the wide range of opportunities available in healthcare, but also equips them with the confidence, tools, and mentorship needed to take the next steps toward their goals. Seeing their enthusiasm and growth throughout the week is a powerful reminder of the impact this program has on future healthcare leaders."

Program Highlights

Academic & Career Exploration

• Hands-on labs in Osteopathic Medicine, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Nursing, Physician Assistant Practice, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Clinical Research, and Public Health.
• Program overviews with faculty highlighting pathways and opportunities across the health sciences.

Professional Development

• LinkedIn workshop with professional headshots.
• Advising sessions, mock interviews, and emotional intelligence training.
• Networking and team-building workshops to strengthen communication and collaboration skills.

Mentorship & Community

• Daily mentor meetings with CPHS and CUSOM students who offered guidance, encouragement, and peer perspective.
• Alumni dinner providing opportunities for connection, storytelling, and career insight.

Unique Opportunities

• Bryce Kenny, professional Monster Jam driver and author, shared lessons on resilience, leadership, and finding purpose. His message resonated with students as they prepared to take the next steps toward their professional goals.
• David Tillman, chair of Public Health at Campbell, delivered a keynote on rural health, challenging students to think deeply about access, equity, and the vital role health professionals play in serving underserved communities.
• Bobby Ransdell and the Ransdell family visited with participants, reminding students of the generosity that has sustained HPREP for more than a decade.

"What I liked most about HPREP was the opportunity to learn from my peers and current students here at Campbell," shared an HPREP participant. "My greatest takeaway from HPREP was confirmation that Campbell is where I am meant to be."

Since its founding in 2005, HPREP has welcomed more than 1,000 students, with many going on to graduate and professional schools across the country including Campbell University. The program's focus on mentorship, professional readiness, and community engagement has left a lasting impact on participants, mentors, and the Campbell community.

The HPREP 2026 application is anticipated to launch in January, with program dates to be announced on the CPHS website and social media channels.