Loper long snapper lines up for a career in rural health care
KEARNEY – When Cole Bauer steps onto the field at Cope Stadium, his focus is sharp and his movements precise – the same mindset he brings to the hospital lab.
The University of Nebraska at Kearney senior is as comfortable snapping a football as he is drawing blood, balancing his passion for athletics with his calling to serve others through health care.
A health sciences major with a biology minor, Bauer is on the pre-physician assistant track and part of the Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP), a partnership between UNK and the University of Nebraska Medical Center that prepares students to serve rural communities. The program offers full-tuition scholarships and guaranteed admission to UNMC for students pursuing health care careers.
“It’s hard to put into words just how much a program like KHOP means,” Bauer said. “The biggest and most visible benefits are the full-tuition scholarship and guaranteed acceptance into UNMC, but the relationships you build are just as important. Students are able to lean on each other through difficult classes and heavy schedules. That helps us develop relationships with people who have similar career goals, some of whom we may work with in the future.”
The Grand Island native’s interest in medicine began with personal experiences that opened his eyes to the impact of health care professionals. His own desire to make a difference led him to UNK, where he’s taken full advantage of the hands-on learning opportunities offered through the health sciences programs.
Since his freshman year, Bauer has worked as a phlebotomist at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney, gaining valuable experience in patient care while building relationships with physicians and other medical professionals.
“Working at the hospital has opened so many doors,” he said. “It’s allowed me to shadow and observe practitioners in different specialties, which reinforced my decision to enter the health care field.”
He also completed an internship at an ophthalmology clinic in Grand Island, an experience that broadened his understanding of the field and strengthened his professional connections.
“The UNK Health Sciences Department offers so many experiences and opportunities that students would not otherwise have,” Bauer said. “The Hospital Partners program, networking events, facility tours, job shadowing and internships – these are all opportunities that allow us to grow as students and future professionals.”
When he’s not studying or working at the hospital, Bauer is contributing to the UNK football team as a long snapper, a position that requires discipline, attention to detail and consistency – the same qualities that serve him well in health care.
“Having the opportunity to continue my football career while studying for my future is definitely demanding, but it’s even more rewarding,” he said. “Football has allowed me to continue competing at a high level while also bringing me some of my best friends. To be successful in both areas, time management and a strong work ethic are key.”
Bauer is also involved with The Salt Company, a college ministry that has helped him grow personally and spiritually.
“Being involved with Salt has brought me new relationships with like-minded individuals that I didn’t know I needed,” he said. “It’s really helped me grow in my faith.”
After graduating in May, Bauer will complete his professional school training through the UNMC physician assistant program in Kearney, continuing his education without leaving the community he’s come to love.
“I’ve spent my entire life in rural Nebraska, and I’m not a fan of the fast-paced, crowded city life,” he said. “UNMC offering nearly every professional program on the Kearney campus is like a dream come true. I’ve built so many relationships here, creating a foundation that would be difficult to leave.”
He plans to remain in the area to practice, serving as a rural health care provider and helping meet the region’s needs.
“Rural health care is very challenging due to the lack of access and staffing,” Bauer said. “My goal is to make sure people in underserved areas have better access to the high-quality care they deserve.”