Nicholas Jarman ’26 moves from classroom to clinical impact

When Nicholas Jarman ’26 first toured Bethel University as a high school student, he was drawn in by something more than just academic programs or a beautiful campus. What stood out was Bethel’s intentional community—where faith, learning, and life weren’t separate, but deeply interwoven with each other. 

“I was looking for a school where integration was intentional,” Jarman says. “And I saw that Bethel was involved in student life and faith in a way that really mattered.”

From his earliest classes, Jarman says Bethel’s small class sizes and close support from professors made a big difference in his learning. “There’s something powerful about knowing your professors and them knowing you,” he says. “You’re not just a face in a lecture hall. You’re part of a community that intentionally cares.”

This community-based learning environment allowed Jarman to build strong relationships across disciplines—from biochemistry to Spanish literature. “Having both science and Spanish classes created a balance,” he says. “It taught me how to think holistically and in different ways, which really prepared me for real-world research.”

He found joy in the general education classes too, especially courses like intro to drawing and Christian theology, which broadened his worldview and deepened his ability to think critically from a faith perspective.  

Now a senior double-majoring in biology and Spanish, Jarman reflects on how he took his classroom knowledge to the real world—most recently through a competitive summer research internship where he participated in a research project on family medicine provider interactions with elderly patients. The program selects just six students each year through a rigorous application and interview process, and each intern is paired with a provider and a research team for hands-on clinical research. His experience showcases how Bethel’s emphasis on real-world application and career support prepares students to pursue their calling and make an impact in the world.

A real-world experience: summer clinical research internship

Before he even applied for the internship, Jarman leaned on Bethel’s resources to help him stand out. He worked closely with The Studio for Vocation and Calling—the foundation for Bethel’s new career commitment—to refine his resume, prepare for interviews, and articulate his strengths.

“The Studio was an amazing resource,” he says. “We did mock interviews, worked on cover letters, and made sure everything was solid. Their support made all the difference in helping me feel confident going into the internship process.”

This reflects Bethel’s commitment to hands-on career support, providing students with opportunities for one-on-one coaching, internship guidance, and other resources that prepare them to enter the workforce with strong skills and confidence. 

Jarman’s interest in research led him to a competitive clinical internship in family medicine in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he worked alongside hospital staff, analyzed patient data, and presented original findings to medical professionals.

The internship began with analyzing electronic medical records—hours spent reviewing charts, collecting metrics, and organizing it all in Excel for further statistical analysis. But the opportunity expanded far beyond spreadsheets.

“We worked with a biostatistics team, created presentations, and even designed research posters,” he explains. “At the end, we presented our findings to doctors and hospital staff. It was stressful at times—but it also rewarding.”

For Jarman, the internship was a culmination of everything Bethel prepares students for: critical thinking, faith integration, and real-world application—but it also showcased how a grounding in the humanities sharpened his ability to interpret data trends and connect the human story behind the numbers.

“There were simulation labs where we learned to deliver babies, practice suturing, and even use ultrasound on a mannequin,” he says. “It was so hands-on. You’re learning the kind of stuff that doesn’t just stay in your head from a classroom—it changes how you see the world.”

Jarman also highlights how essential time management and communication skills were in a clinical environment. With early mornings, data deadlines, and team meetings, he had to stay sharp and organized—skills he first developed through his Bethel coursework and campus involvement.

When asked what mattered most about the experience, Jarman points to the relationships he built during the internship—both with his cohort and the hospital professionals who shared their career paths and wisdom.

“This internship wasn’t just about learning skills,” he says. “It was also about connecting with people and hearing how their faith and values influence their work in medicine.”

Experiences like this show how Bethel prepares students for the networking opportunities and skills that help them thrive beyond the classroom.

Looking ahead: prepared for real-world impact 

As graduation approaches, Jarman sees this experience as more than a line on his resume—it’s a launchpad for what comes next. He’s not sure where he’ll land just yet, but he knows the connections he made last summer, and the mentorship he received at Bethel, will continue to guide him.

“Being part of the full research process—from data analysis to presenting in front of medical staff—gave me so much confidence,” he says. “I know I can step into the next phase of my life prepared.”

Jarman encourages other students to take full advantage of Bethel’s support systems. “Whether it’s a research opportunity, an internship, or a new class, lean into it,” he says. “Use the resources Bethel gives you—like The Studio, your professors, your departments. That support really helped me thrive.”

His real-world experience in the healthcare industry is a testament to Bethel’s commitment to equipping students with the guidance, support, and career resources they need to follow their calling with confidence.

“At Bethel, I’ve met lifelong friends, learned from professors who care, and been part of a community that truly believes in me,” Jarman says. “That’s what prepared me—not just for this internship, but for what’s next.”

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