Meet Ryker - The Patient Care Pathways Featured Student

Healing bodies and minds is an art, a skill and a science. Students who are interested in a hands-on career offering quality care to patients, families and the community will find UMR’s innovative curriculum provides ample preparation for entry into the workforce or for advanced study.

Ryker VanderHeiden, ‘20

Patient Care
Major: Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
Hometown: Menasha, WI

Why did you choose to come to UMR? A friend reached out to me saying I should look into UMR because she knew I was interested in health care and she was a UMR student. As I explored the curriculum and toured campus, my decision had been made that this was the school for me. Between the faculty, students and curriculum I knew UMR was the best choice to prepare me for my future.

How did your Capstone experience prepare you for your future in what you’re currently doing? I utilized my Capstone experience to further solidify my knowledge and skills needed to apply to medical school. My Capstone unfortunately had to be heavily modified due to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, so I was not able to complete my Capstone to the original plan. Nonetheless, I incorporated volunteering, extra coursework and projects to my Capstone. Considering I started medical school during the pandemic, my Capstone prepared me very well despite it being unplanned.

Learn more about Ryker's experience and learn more about UMR's Pathways.