Most believers are familiar with Jesus's command to share the gospel around the world. And for many Christian college students, mission trips have been a part of their spiritual upbringing and experience. But for those interested in global health care, medical mission trips for college students provide a variety of benefits.
For example, medical mission trips can give college students valuable on-the-job training. Regardless of their specialty—medicine, pharmacology, nutrition, nursing, and so forth—medical mission trips give college students the opportunity to work with professionals in the field and to get a feel for what their future might hold. Whether traveling as a team or as an individual, medical mission trips for college students can be valuable.
But even if a student is on the fence about pursuing a career in health care, medical mission trips can be great for volunteers. In general, this generation longs to be a part of something bigger than themselves, and a medical mission trip fits that bill perfectly. Whether they seek a clinical setting or have more interest in education or prevention, many students can find value in medical mission trips for college students.
Whatever their interest in terms of medical mission trips, college students need to do their research. The sheer number of sending partners and the opportunities provided by those partners require some careful study. You will want to find the best fit in terms of location, duration, cost, and specialty.
Each mission trip has its own requirements and standards. Each type is different in many ways—of course, there are many types of missions and mission focuses. Here are six ways to get involved in medical mission trips for college students:
1. With Your Christian College or University. One of the best places to start in a search for a medical mission trip as a college student is to see what's available close to home. Most Christian colleges provide opportunities for short-term mission trips, including some that could provide college credit. Some of those options include medical mission trips for their students. For example, Lipscomb University and Liberty University offer medical mission trips for their students.
2. As a marketplace worker. You don't have to choose between work and missions. Finding marketplace medical mission trips is easier than you think. These could suit your missional and professional aspirations! In fact, many Christian professionals are taking their jobs overseas, and while these folks may not be raising funds, they are very much on a mission. Healthcare is one of the greatest global avenues of need, making your skills an excellent avenue to take a job somewhere in the world.
3. Short-Term Missions. There are hundreds of opportunities for you to serve on a short-term medical mission trip, especially as a healthcare professional. In order to find out what's best for you, explore the opportunities, organizations, and resources that will help you find that perfect match.
4. Long-Term Missions. If you've decided that a long-term mission is proper for you, then exploring reliable options is a great place to start. There are specific organizations that specialize in long-term missions, many with various areas of focus.
5. Teach Your Medical Specialty. Everywhere across the globe, medical professionals are needed on medical mission trips to lead and instruct local populations in need of medical education. Becoming an educator not only serves those you teach but also affects the health of future generations.
6. Domestic Missions. Are you looking for organizations that operate right here in the United States? Search the directory of organizations that engage in domestic missions.
God uses all kinds of mission opportunities to share His message with a world that desperately needs to hear it. Medical missions are a vital part of His plan, which is why so many groups are involved in providing medical mission trips for college students.
Medical Missions serves to connect your professional skills and biblical calling to the largest database of healthcare mission organizations, professionals, and thought leadership. Join us at the Global Missions Health Conference to find your Medical Missions calling. Or, browse our full list of partner organizations to find the right mission for you.
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