Learning Specialist

Department of Medical Education

Position Summary:
The Learning Specialist provides academic counseling, learning strategy support, and entrance and board exams preparation assistance for medical students across both the Columbia and Springfield campuses of the University of Missouri School of Medicine. This position will specifically focus on students accepted into the School of Medicine preadmission programs in Columbia and Springfield and support them during their last two years of undergraduate through medical school. The Learning Specialist will promote student success by delivering individualized coaching, workshops, and proactive outreach for learners at all stages of the preadmission programs. The specialist collaborates with faculty, program coordinators, curriculum leaders, and student affairs to ensure equitable academic support services across both campuses and to enhance student performance, well-being, and readiness for entrance and licensure examinations.

1. Provide individualized academic counseling and coaching.

* Meet with students to develop effective study habits, time management strategies, and test-taking approaches.
* Support students experiencing academic challenges, remediation, or transitional stress.

2. Support students in preparation for entrance and national board exams (MCAT, Step 1 and Step 2 CK).

* Advise students on study planning, preparation timelines, and resource use. Monitor readiness and progress through data and self-assessment tools.

3. Develop and deliver learning resources and educational programming.

* Design and facilitate workshops, presentations, and written materials to strengthen learning skills and academic resilience for junior and senior undergraduate students as well as pre-clinical and clinical medical students

4. Collaborate with faculty, staff, and administration.

* Work with Student Affairs, Assessment, and curriculum committees to ensure alignment of support strategies with curricular goals and student needs.
* Participate in Preprofessional Scholars Program (PSP) meetings and initiatives focused on student performance and success.

5. Monitor academic performance and conduct proactive outreach.

* Identify at-risk students early through performance data, referrals, and faculty/staff input; provide timely intervention and support plans.

6. Provide cross-campus support and consistency in services.

* Coordinate efforts between Columbia and Springfield to ensure uniform delivery of learning support, including virtual sessions and resource sharing.

Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• 2 years experience

Salary Range: $52,915.20 - $67,000 annually
Grade: GGS - 010
University Title: SR STUDENT SUCCESS COACH
Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

In addition to the Online Application, please provide a Cover Letter and Resume.

The University of Missouri School of Medicine is entering a period of strategic growth and innovation, highlighted by the UM Board of Curators' approval to expand the Springfield clinical campus into a full four-year medical program. This expansion will increase total enrollment across Columbia and Springfield to more than 670 medical students and strengthen the university's commitment to addressing Missouri's physician shortage, particularly in rural regions. Beginning in 2027, first-year students will be welcomed to the Springfield campus, with fully identical curricula delivered across both sites through shared faculty, expanded simulation resources, and bi-directional livestreamed instruction. This milestone underscores the university's broader mission to enhance statewide access to high-quality medical education and clinical care.

Complementing this statewide investment, the School of Medicine's MOmentum curriculum redesign is transforming how future physicians are trained. MOmentum builds on MU's long-standing learner-centered approach by integrating cutting-edge technology, innovative teaching strategies, and comprehensive support systems to create a dynamic and effective learning environment. The redesigned curriculum emphasizes evidence-based education, active learning, individualized support, early clinical exposure, and the development of lifelong, self-directed learners prepared to navigate an increasingly complex health care landscape. Through MOmentum, the School of Medicine is charting a bold path forward, ensuring students graduate with the advanced skills, adaptability, and patient-centered mindset needed to excel in modern medicine.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.