Ten Howard Payne University students recently traveled to the Dallas/Fort Worth area to visit schools specializing in various health professions.

The purpose of this yearly trip is to tour and learn about various medical programs such as allopathic medicine, osteopathic medicine and physical therapy. The students had the opportunity to visit the University of North Texas in Denton and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

“We are proud to be able to support our students pursuing careers in the health professions, regardless of their chosen major at HPU,” said Dr. Kristen Hutchins, associate professor of biology and pre-health advisor. “This particular trip included students from various majors including biology, chemistry, athletic training, kinesiology and the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy.”

Students who attended are Andrea Balderas, junior biology major from Lytle; Nathan Cantu, sophomore biology major from San Antonio; TJ Counce, senior chemistry with biochemistry concentration and Guy D. Newman Honors Academy major from Lockhart; Ruth Davis, senior athletic training major from Cibolo; Keaton Fletcher, senior biology major from Perryton; Darbi Frazier, senior kinesiology major from Crandall; Christopher Freeland, sophomore chemistry with biochemistry concentration and Guy D. Newman Honors Academy major from Brownwood; Hannah Justice, sophomore biology major from Brownwood; Ra’Liaha Lightner, sophomore athletic training major from Killeen; and Aaron Walling, senior biology major from Georgetown.

“Many students start college with a particular career goal in mind,” said Dr. Hutchins. “However, once they learn about the broader field of health care and the range of jobs that are available, their view is expanded and they are more informed as they make choices about their future.”

Applications are still being accepted for the fall 2016 semester at Howard Payne University. HPU offers a variety of financial aid options including the Heart of Texas Scholarship, which awards $60,000 to students from Brown County and surrounding counties. For more information about HPU, contact HPU’s Office of Admission at (325) 649-8020 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Pictured above, left to right, are HPU students Hannah Justice, Darbi Frazier, Christopher Freeland, Aaron Walling, Ra’Liaha Lightner, Ruth Davis, Andrea Balderas, TJ Counce, Nathan Cantu and Keaton Fletcher.