Med-Start Summer Counselor Program

Med-Start

Summer Counselor Program

As a Med-Start counselor, full-time University of Arizona students will have the unique opportunity to mentor high school students who strive to be in your shoes one day. The students you will interact with come from varied backgrounds and are passionate about pursuing careers in health care. As a counselor, it will be your job to inspire these students to achieve their goals. Other duties include monitoring students’ progress with their course assignments and research projects, supervising program activities and assisting with guest speakers, travel arrangements, orientation, opening ceremonies, the academic conference and closing ceremonies.

Benefits of Being a Counselor

  1. Live in one of the University of Arizona residence halls with paid room and board provided during the seven weeks of your employment.
  2. Obtain invaluable skill-building, leadership, training and enrichment opportunities.
  3. Learn and develop skills that will enhance your job marketability.
  4. Build trust and positive lifetime relationships with the students.
  5. Learn how to encourage students to challenge themselves and how to put the students needs before you.
  6. Gain knowledge of all Arizona universities and health professions along with the students.
  7. Become a mentor and leader.
  8. Gain a meaningful experience and accelerate you toward your career.
  9. Earn letters of recommendations from department.

Application Information

JOB TITLES: Full-time counselors for the Med-Start Health Careers Program (positions are subject to a background check, a fingerprint investigation and a motor vehicle check).

DEPARTMENT: University of Arizona Health Sciences Office of Student Engagement and Career Advancement

DESCRIPTION: Primarily responsible for a group of approximately 44 high school students. Counselors also work as part of a team of six to eight counselors aiding in the operation of the entire program.

DATES OF EMPLOYMENT: May 19 - July 13, 2025 (Counselor — full- and part-time positions are available)

SHIFTS: Hours vary. Monday through Sunday.

RATE OF PAY: $15 (minimum wage) per hour, plus room and board

Typical Duties

  1. Tutor/monitor academic progress of assigned students (students take college-level courses during U of A summer session).
  2. Mentor students to promote success in university life and within the health sciences.
  3. Supervise field trips and other program activities.
  4. Supervise residence hall activities.
  5. Prepare dorms for student arrival, this includes picking up and storing all program equipment to off-site facility.
  6. Assist in scheduling guest speakers, presentations, set up and clean up after presentations, etc.
  7. Assist in program-related office tasks in the Office of Student Engagement and Career Advancement such as Costco runs and typing newsletters and an end-of-program report.

Minimum Qualifications

  1. Must be a continuing student at the U of A.
  2. Must be available to live in a residence hall during the entire summer program.
  3. Must be able to relate to students from varied backgrounds.
  4. Must have current driver’s license and a good driving record with at least three years of driving experience.

Preferred Qualifications

  1. Students in health-related concentrations.
  2. Students with previous R.A. or summer counselor experience, or past Med-Start participants.
  3. Certifications in CPR and/or first aid.
  4. U of A high occupancy vehicle driver certification.

Training

Counselors will be required to attend training sessions prior to the Med-Start Health Careers Program. Training sessions will be scheduled one week prior to the start of the program. In addition, counselors will be required to attend a debriefing meeting at the conclusion of Med-Start.

Application Information

The Summer Med-Start Counselor applications are due on February 1 each year. Please email aaguirr1@arizona.edu to request an application. The application will require two references, one recommendation letter, a Fingerprint Clearance Card, your resume and a video.

References: We will be contacting your references via email. We encourage you to select individuals who can speak highly of you and your character (i.e. Internship supervisor, volunteer coordinator, etc.). We will not accept family members as references.

Recommendation Letters: We will be contacting the individual you selected to write the recommendation letter via email. It is your responsibility to make sure they complete their recommendation. Once they complete their recommendation, you will receive an email stating that your application is complete.

Fingerprint Clearance Card
On the application, you will be asked to provide your fingerprint clearance card number. If you don’t have an FCC, you must initiate the process of obtaining one and provide proof. You will need your FCC prior to starting as a counselor.

CPR Certification
If you are certified, you will be asked to email a copy of your CPR certification. If you are not certified, you will complete CPR and first aid certification during counselor training week.

Video
You will be asked to create a two-minute-long video answering the following prompts/questions:

  • Introduce yourself (Name, major, long term/short term goals, etc.)
  • Tell us something interesting about yourself
  • Tell us about your experience working with high school students
  • Why do you want to be part of Med-Start?
  • Why should we select you?
  • Video Tips/Suggestions:
    • Don’t be afraid to get creative and show us your personality.
    • Make sure you are in an area where we can hear you.
    • This video is a way for us to get to know you. Don’t stress about making a perfect video, we only want to see your personality.
    • We recommend that you create a video and upload it to YouTube, then paste the link on the application.

Interview
 If you are selected for an interview, we will be asking you to join us on campus to meet our team. This interview is a chance for us to get to know you and see if you are fit for the position. A Med-Start staff member will reach out to you in the middle of March to ask about your availability for an interview.

* Weekend and overnight hours may apply. As a counselor, you will be required to move into the dorms on Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day), reside at the dorms for the duration of Med-Start, attend the student/parent orientation on Sunday, June 1, travel with the group, and assist with the academic conference and closing ceremony on Saturday, July 12.