Medical Explorers
If you're interested in a career in health care, CoxHealth Medical Explorers is a great way to learn what it takes.
Medical Explorers Post 229 started in November 1968 as the first medical exploring post in the United States. The CoxHealth Medical Explorers program is a rewarding, non-traditional educational avenue for students ages 14 to 20 trying to decide if a health care career fits into their future. All qualifications must be met to be eligible for this exclusive, high-quality program.
Explorers may begin the program three times a year, in September, January, and April. To start on one of these dates, you must apply during the application period just before it: August for a September start, December for a January start, and March for an April start. The application link is only open during these periods.
While you wait for the next application cycle, you can begin gathering the materials listed under Program Requirements below. If you'd like to be notified when the next application opens, contact the coordinator at your preferred campus to be added to the email notification list.
Program Requirements
- Registration form
- Permission form (ages 14 to 17 only)
- Background screening authorization form (ages 18+ only)
- Copy of current grade record demonstrating a minimum 3.0 GPA from an accredited school program
- Letter of recommendation from a counselor, teacher, coach, principal, etc. (not a relative)
- Complete immunization record
Meetings
Springfield
Explorers are required to attend monthly membership meetings held on the third Tuesday of the month. Meetings begin at 6 p.m. and are held at Cox Medical Center South in Foster Auditorium unless otherwise noted. Meetings are conducted by the Medical Explorer coordinator and feature educational presentations by health care professionals – from Cox Air Care and emergency services to nursing and surgery.
Meeting space is limited and reserved for Medical Explorers. Parents/guardians/friends may remain on campus during Explorer meetings/rotations but are asked to please wait in public areas such as the lobby or cafeteria. For the safety of our patients and program participants, accompanying an Explorer on unit rotations is not allowed.
For additional questions regarding the Springfield Medical Explorer program, please contact joy.davis@coxhealth.com
Branson
Explorers are required to attend monthly membership meetings held on the fourth Monday of the month. Meetings are conducted by the Medical Explorer coordinator and feature educational presentations by health care professionals.
Meeting space is limited and reserved for Medical Explorers. Parents/guardians/friends may remain on campus during Explorer meetings/rotations but are asked to please wait in public areas such as the lobby or cafeteria. For the safety of our patients and program participants, accompanying an Explorer on unit rotations is not allowed.
For additional questions regarding the Branson Medical Explorer program, please contact terry.hicks@coxhealth.com
Monett
Explorers are required to attend monthly membership meetings held on the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. in the clubhouse. Meetings are conducted by the Medical Explorer coordinator and feature educational presentations by health care professionals.
Meeting space is limited and reserved for Medical Explorers. Parents, guardians, and friends may remain on campus during Explorer meetings and rotations but are asked to please wait in public areas such as the lobby or cafeteria. For the safety of our patients and program participants, accompanying an Explorer on unit rotations is not allowed.
For additional questions regarding the Monett Medical Explorer program, please contact angela.long@coxhealth.com.
If you do not qualify for the Medical Explorers program but would like to volunteer at CoxHealth, please call 417-269-4157.