Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP)

The mission of the Rowan-Virtua SOM HCOP Academy is to support students of varying education levels who have limited funds or academic preparation in the pursuit of healthcare careers through mentorship, personal and academic advising, financial support, and exposure to health professions and community partnerships.

The Office of Community Outreach

The Office of Community Outreach was established when Rowan-Virtua SOM was awarded a Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) grant by the Health Resources & Services Administration.

To apply to any of the below programs, please complete the HCOP Academy Application.

Medical Students

HCOP Pre-Matriculation Stipend Program (incoming first-year students)

Participants enroll in the Rowan-Virtua SOM Pre-Matriculation Program during the summer before they enter medical school and participate in academic courses, workshops, and advising to prepare them for success as medical students. This program is only for Rowan-Virtua SOM students enrolled in the Pre-Matriculation program. 

• Summer
• Application timeline: March - April

HCOP National Ambassadors Program (first-year students)

Participants work on teams with high school and undergraduate student ambassadors to develop a service project based on research of health disparities in our local communities. Participants receive training on social determinants of health, medically-underserved communities, and partnering with stakeholders.

• Academic Year
• Application timeline: Summer - Early Fall

Clinical Research, Education & Training Experiences (CREATE) (rising second-year students)

The selected students will participate in stipend-supported research activities during the break between the end of classes in May and the start of classes in July. Research must be related to the opioid crisis, mental health, or childhood obesity. The program also includes educational and mentoring activities. This program is only for Rowan-Virtua SOM rising second year medical students.

• Summer
• Application timeline: Jan - Apr

To apply, please complete the online application, proposal cover page, and proposal by January 31st.

Graduate Students

Participants engage in customized learning experiences which include workshops, test prep, and advising sessions, designed to facilitate their entry into medical school. The program also includes ongoing educational and mentoring activities. This program is for students who are in their post-baccalaureate programs and are in good academic standing.

• Calendar Year
• Application timeline: February - February

Undergraduate Students

HCOP National Ambassadors (sophomores and juniors)

Participants work on teams with high school and medical student ambassadors to develop a service project based on research of health disparities in our local communities. Participants receive training on social determinants of health, medically underserved communities, and partnering with stakeholders.

• Academic Year
• Application timeline: Early Fall

High School Students

HCOP Explorers (rising high school juniors and seniors)

A six-week summer experience for rising high school juniors and seniors. It is a great introduction for students who would like to work in the medical field. Participants will complete research activities with a medical student mentor, prepare for college, and explore careers in medicine.

• Summer 
• Application timeline: January - April

HCOP Saturday Academy (high school juniors)

These 20 Saturday sessions are filled with opportunities for participants to strengthen their academic skills, prepare for college, and explore careers in medicine. Participants will also learn about community health issues and develop a proposal for a health intervention to improve overall health outcomes in their community.

• Academic Year
• Application timeline: September

HCOP National Ambassadors Program (high school seniors)

Students work on teams with undergraduate and medical student ambassadors to develop a service project based on research of health disparities in our local communities. Participants receive training on social determinants of health, medically-underserved communities, and partnering with stakeholders.

• Academic Year
• Application timeline: Early Fall