When can I apply to MedQuest? The 2025 MedQuest application is now open! Please click here to apply. Applications are set to close on 04/01 for Rural and 04/15 for Frontier.
How much does MedQuest cost? There is a $25 fee to apply, but otherwise camp will be free this year thanks to funding from the Oregon Health Authority. For MQ Day Camp, organizations may reach out to NEOAHEC at any time to begin planning.
What are the steps in the application process? The 2025 MedQuest application is now open! Please click here to apply. To attend MedQuest, each student needs to complete the following: application, acceptance packet, TB testing (Rural MedQuest only), sign releases & consents, and respond to all other requests in a timely manner. These items will vary camp to camp. NEOAHEC will communicate with you via email, so make sure you are checking your inbox regularly. For directions on the 2025 Application Process.
What is MedQuest? MedQuest is a health career exploration camp designed to encourage high school students to choose careers in rural healthcare. Each camp has a large variety of activities. There are too many to fully list, and we haven't finalized every piece of the agenda yet, but students at both Frontier and Rural MedQuest can expect:
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4 job shadows at the local hospital and clinics
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A trip to the fire department to learn hands-on healthcare skills
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Participating in high-fidelity simulations
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A Diagnosis Day activity where the students will follow a simulated patient through different departments at the hospital and learn about different careers
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A Mental Health First Aid training
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A variety of presentations about healthcare careers
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Taking home their own suture kits and stethoscopes
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Recreation activities (these vary camp to camp but include mini-golf at Rural MedQuest and a trip to the Crane Hot Springs at Frontier MedQuest)
Which camp is right for me? Frontier MedQuest and Rural MedQuest are largely the same! They take place in different communities (Crane/Burns and La Grande), and Rural is a bigger camp. The activities are similar, but they are tailored to the communities that host them. The main reason for having two events is because Rural MedQuest can't support as many people as are interested, so a second event was created to accommodate more students.
Frontier is a smaller camp, 25 students instead of 50, but it's just as full of exciting activities unique to the region--but tailored to Harney County! Students will stay in the Crane Union High School dorms, spend time in Burns, visit the Crane Hot Springs, and so much more!
If you are nervous for a large summer camp, Frontier MedQuest might be a good choice! Feel free to apply to both using the same essay and reference letter, if you'd like.
How long has MedQuest been around? Rural MedQuest began in 1994, and Frontier and MQ Day Camp in 2023. During the pandemic, MedQuest was virtual!
Who can apply? There are no prerequisites for applying to camp and it is open to all high school students, including those graduating this summer. The acceptance process is based on a variety of things, but largely depends on the essay question and the letter of reference. We also give preference to students who are from more rural areas and who are closer to graduating high school (because they will not have another chance to attend).
How many MedQuest camps are there? There are two MedQuest camps each year: Rural and Frontier. MQ Day Camps are offered to communities that request them. Click on each camp for specific details.
When does MedQuest happen? Rural MedQuest is held at the end of June and Frontier MedQuest is mid-July. MQ Day Camps are scheduled on a case-by-case basis.
Where do the MedQuest camps take place? Rural MedQuest is held in La Grande and Frontier MedQuest is in Burns. MQ Day Camps are normally held in La Grande.
Do I have to stay the whole time? Each student is expected to participate in the entirety of camp--students are not allowed to leave early or skip activities.
Can I be a camp counselor? To be a camp counselor, please fill out a camp counselor application. Ideally, counselors are college students on the path to health career, though all candidates will be considered.
What does TB testing entail? TB testing is required before any participant of Rural MedQuest may enter a hospital during MedQuest. The process takes a couple of weeks, so be prepared to have this done before camp. Please see this document for specific instructions from the Grande Ronde Hospital. The other camps do not require TB testing.
Where can I receive updates about MedQuest? For more information about MedQuest, please feel free to check out our FAQ page. You can also subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Facebook or Instagram if you'd like to see updates.
What is the schedule like as far as time frames for when they do camp activities, when they can contact home, bedtime, and etc? The schedule for MedQuest is pretty full from 8am-9:30pm each day. There are breaks for meals plus free time scheduled into most days. Students would be able to contact home during free time, and in the mornings and evenings, before/after scheduled activities. Bedtime is about 10pm.
What is the sleeping arrangement? Students will stay in the EOU dorms in Alikut Hall. These dorms are set up with four single bedrooms and two shared full bathrooms (each with a single toilet, sink, and shower) per dorm, which also includes a living room and kitchen. All doors to bedrooms and bathrooms lock for privacy. If a student is uncomfortable with this arrangement, then we will work with the family to ensure the student feels safe, usually by putting them in a dorm by themselves. Camp counselors also sleep in the dorms with the students and are available 24 hours.
Are they allowed to carry their cell phones on them so if they want to contact us, like during breaks and stuff can they? Students are allowed to carry their cell phones, but they may not use them during activities (with some exceptions). They are allowed them during breaks and free time.
What did they do for food while they’re there? NEOAHEC provides all meals for students while at MedQuest. Many meals will come from the EOU cafeteria, which is a buffet-style. Other meals come from a variety of places around town. We have not completed our plans for food yet, but it usually includes food from places like Island City Market and Deli and Raul's Taqueria. Snacks will also be provided between meals, and the camp includes a trip to The Local for ice cream.
If a student has dietary restrictions, they can let us know in their application and we will accommodate. If a student has severe restrictions, we may request that they bring some snacks to supplement what we are able to provide.
What are they allowed to bring personal wise to make their overnight stays more comfortable? Once a student is accepted into camp, we will provide a packing list. It includes bedding, clothes for all weather conditions, toiletries, and a few other items. Do not bring anything valuable.
Is there anything else that we should be aware of as potential first time camp goers? MedQuest is busy, but a lot of fun. It gives students an idea on whether the healthcare field is right for them, allows them to connect with other students with similar interests from around the state, and there's lots of recreation mixed in with the healthcare stuff. Students at the La Grande camp get to play mini golf at Riverside Greens!