Springfield Career Advancement Center
Explore Health Care Careers
A career in health care can be a long and rewarding one. At Mercy, we’re dedicated to providing caregivers ample opportunity for advancement in hospital leadership roles. We currently offer two exciting programs for young professionals to gain hands-on experience and learning.
Education through simple observation helps adolescents and young adults make more informed decisions early in their careers. Mercy Springfield offers unique worksite-based opportunities for students ages 14 through 20.
Student Experiences
Shadowing at Mercy Hospital Springfield
Mercy Springfield Communities offers a variety of student/observation experiences.
- A shadow/observation experience is for observation only without any hands-on interaction. It is limited to 40 hours or less (within one year) and you are not required to be enrolled in a school program.
- For those interested in shadowing with Mercy Springfield, please fill out our shadowing request form. https://forms.office.com/r/MFpHNZgx8D
Individual Learning Experience
- An individual learning experience is a hands-on experience (either clinical or non-clinical). This experience requires you to be enrolled in a school program unless you are seeking an unpaid internship or are a professional approved to do research at Mercy.
Medical Explorers
Mercy - Springfield Medical Explorer Post #339 is a youth healthcare career exploration program jointly sponsored by Mercy Hospital Springfield and the Scouting America. The purpose of Medical Explorers is to provide worksite-based experiences for students ages 14 through 20. Education through observation enables youth to make informed career decisions. Cohorts for this program will take place during the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.
- Now accepting applications for the Spring 2026 Mercy Medical Explorers Program!
- Application Deadline: 01/05/2026
Program Requirements:
- Verification of Online Registration and Payment
- Exploring Youth Application
- Mercy Medical Explorers Application
- Completed Immunization Form
Questions? Please contact [email protected]
Young Professional Experiences
This program is offered only to current Mercy caregivers.
The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program is designed to give students both theoretical and practical experience in health care leadership. This program provides an essential foundation for the next generation of leaders to successfully navigate changes in health care.
The course content is intentionally broad to include hospital, ambulatory, behavioral health, skilled nursing, payor organizations and community health systems. Our interdisciplinary approach fosters collaboration and understanding among a wide variety of student backgrounds and experiences.
This program is led by two of Springfield’s former health care executives, Jay Guffey and Steve Edwards. It’s an excellent opportunity for aspiring caregivers to advance their careers in health care leadership.
Application Process
As part of our collaboration with Drury University, Mercy receives a discounted tuition rate for five sponsored seats in each MHA cohort.
An internal application and selection process will determine which caregivers receive these discounted seats. Chosen caregivers will then continue their application process with Drury.
Who May Apply?
Any caregiver who wants to pursue leadership opportunities within the health care profession.
What Are the Qualifications?
Mercy Requirements:
- You’ve been in current role for at least a year
- Your application has been approved by leader
Drury Requirements:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Two letters of recommendation
- Transcripts from previous degrees
- Health care experience preferred
Caregivers interested in pursuing a sponsored seat in this program should fill out the MHA application form.
For information about eligibility criteria, application requirements and selection timelines, please reach out to Aaron Tribby or Jessica Atchison.
This program is offered only to current Mercy caregivers.
Catherine McAuley said, “A good beginning is of great importance.” This reminds us how important it is to instill in young professionals our values, mission and charism.
Engaging young professionals helps Mercy retain top talent and improve our quality of care, which serves the needs of both caregivers and patients.
Our vision is made up of two distinct pillars:
- Become the employer of choice for young professionals in our communities by fostering a culture of mentorship, development and engagement.
- Ensure Mercy is a trusted health care partner by participating in community events and cultivating a passion for volunteering.
By teaching young professionals our values as a ministry and planting roots in the communities we serve, we can improve caregiver happiness and sustain Mercy for years to come.
Who May Register?
Any Mercy caregiver may register. Consider registering if you want to:
- Connect with other young professionals
- Get more involved in the ministry
- Grow your leadership skills
What Are the Qualifications?
You must be employed at Mercy and pay $25 annually.
Caregivers interested in joining should complete the Mercy Young Professionals registration form.
If you have more questions, please email [email protected]
