What can HCOP do for me?
HCOP (Health Career Opportunity Program) is a summer enrichment program that helps students obtain the skills, abilities and knowledge base to become successful. 

• For PE, students will have simulated college-level coursework in biology, chemistry, math, study skills and computer/reading.  There will be graded tests and quizzes (with no college credit) in the student files. Students will gain the academic and social confidence to help them become successful at any college or university. Students who do attend WVU may have an opportunity to take courses with PE professors. The summer program gives them a “head start” for their undergraduate education.

 

• For FE, students will gain experiences in mock interviews, shadowing, volunteering, essay writing and practice admission test review for the MCAT, DAT and the PCAT.
  

How is the project funded?
HCOP is funded by West Virginia State Legislation.

 

What are the summer Health Careers Enrichment programs?
WVU will conduct summer Preliminary Education and Facilitating Entry programs to prepare students for health professions schools. The primary goal of these programs is to present to students the knowledge, skills, support, and to enhance their abilities to enter and graduate from post-secondary schools offering careers in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy, then return to practice in the Central Appalachian region.

How much does it cost to participate?
The program is FREE for those who qualify.

 

How are students selected and what are the qualifications?
A student seeking admission to the Preliminary Education or Facilitating Entry Programs must be a U.S. citizen and a West Virginia resident.  Student selection will be based upon interest or major in a health career, school performance, standardized test scores, faculty recommendations and motivation toward improving current educational status.  Other eligibility requirements include having a disadvantage status (economic and educational), and/or having successfully completed any of the Education Pipeline Partnership programs.

·        Students can apply for the PE program if they are a graduating high school senior (interested in medicine, dentistry or pharmacy). 

·        Students can apply for the FE program if they are an undergraduate sophomore or juniors seeking admission into the schools of medicine, dentistry or pharmacy.  Students interested in medicine should have at least taken the appropriate course work in:

·        English - 6 hrs.
·        Social or Behavioral Science - 6 hrs
·        Biology or Zoology with labs - 8 hrs.
·        General Chemistry with labs - 8 hrs.
·        Organic Chemistry with labs - 8 hrs.
·        Physics with labs - 8 hrs
 

What defines a student as disadvantaged?
Disadvantaged is defined as financially, academically, first generation college-bound, non-traditional students, and an environment which inhibits chances of success.  

• Educationally Disadvantage: an individual that comes from an environment that has inhibited the individual from obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to enroll in and graduate from a health professions school or allied health program; e.g., a person who is the first generation to attend and graduate from a 4 year College/University, limited upper level courses in high school

 

• Economically Disadvantage: an individual that comes from a family with an annual income at or below low-income thresholds according to family size.

How many can participate in this program?
The total number of participants is 25!  The Preliminary Education Component has 15 seats; the Facilitating Entry Component has 10 seats available.  Due to the limited number of seats, you should apply online as soon as possible.  Don't forget to send in transcripts, letters of recommendation and your essay. Applications will not be reviewed until all information has been submitted.

Are applications sent to us or do we have to come in the office?
You can access the applications on our website. Register first and then fill out the application and submit it before the program deadline.  Also you will need to download the reference forms and mail or fax them to our office. The forms are in PDF format, so you will need to have Adobe Acrobat. If you do not have a computer or the Adobe program, you can call us and we can mail you one.

 When are the applications due?
Application deadline is March 31, 2012 for the Facilitating Entry Component and April 21, 2012 for Preliminary Education.

 When will I be notified if I have been selected?
The application selection takes about one month for completion. You will be notified by either mail or phone about your selection status.

Where is the program held and who are the faculty?
Students will be on West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV) and coursework is taught by WVU faculty members.

Do I have to stay on campus?
YES - Students enrolled in the Preliminary Education program will receive a stipend to cover all expected costs of participating in the summer enrichment program such as housing, supplies and food (students will not receive money for non-educational activity days).

FE students do not have to stay on campus and will receive a full stipend amount.  If housing is needed, a portion of your stipend will be used to cover your housing expenses.

When is the program?
The program is held for 6-weeks for PE and 7-weeks for FE. 

FE usually starts the last two weeks in May (around the 20^th) - June.
PE usually starts on Father’s Day (mid-June) – July.