More than two dozen high school students from Florida and Georgia recently completed a four-week Health Career Opportunity Program (HCOP) hosted by the FAMU School of Allied Health
HCOP educated the 30 participating students about careers in the health sciences such as nursing, anesthesiology, physical and occupational therapy, surgery, medical malpractice law and more.
“I left the program with more than what I started with,” said Nya Herbert, a 2019 HCOP participant who attends Alexander High School in Atlanta.
The program was originally intended for college students; however in 2000, it was opened to high school students interested in the medical field. Five days a week, students participated in a program of lectures, simulations and hands-on learning. At the end of the month-long program, students made capstone presentations to parents, faculty and staff showcasing what they learned.
“HCOP provides students with a better understanding about health professions and helps them make informed decisions about their career goals and their future,” said Patricia Graham, HCOP director and a coordinator in the School of Allied Health Sciences at FAMU.