1. It is possible to set up independent clinical rotation sites, but the bulk of the work of setting that up will be on you as the student. A few people in my class went down this route because they previously worked at a hospital and know doctors who were willing to be their preceptors. There is a certain level of risk with independent rotations because if something falls through halfway through the year, you're left in an awkward position to find another preceptor for that rotation. I'd say that nearly everyone will simply just go to one of the rotation sites that KCU has already partnered with.
2. It's not the easiest in the world to find research here, but that being said, it's not impossible. Recently KCU has been working and asking for student input regarding research and the level of interest surrounding it, so they are working to try to increase research opportunities. For the Joplin campus, most research is done with our faculty at the local university (MSSU) for both clinical and basic science/wet lab-based. You'll have to ask around and be more proactive in obtaining research.
Hope that was helpful! Feel free to message me if you have more questions or want more details.
