Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP)

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The Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) is federally funded to provide students from economically or educationally "disadvantaged" backgrounds the opportunity to develop the skills needed to successfully compete for, enter, and graduate from health or allied health professions schools.

An applicant to the Creighton University Pipeline to Success Health Careers Opportunity Program must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, permanent resident, or foreign national who possesses a visa permitting permanent residence in the United States.
  • Currently enrolled in high school (11th and 12th graders only), community college, a 4-year college/university, or health professional school.
  • Must be economically OR educationally disadvantaged.
  • Must be interested in a health career.
  • Must possess a 2.5 GPA or greater (on a scale of 1.0 - 4.0).

The Application and Application Checklist can be retrieved from the Pipeline to Success Health Careers Opportunity Program office (info located in the “Contact Us” section) or downloaded/printed below:

Download the application and application checklist.

A completed application should include the following:

  • Completed and signed application (by student and parent/guardian)
  • Most recent Tax Return or Statement of Benefits
  • One-Page Personal Statement
  • Official Transcript
  • Recommendation Letter(s) from School Counselor/Teacher/Advisor (in a sealed envelope

The application can also be completed HERE.

Academic Year Ambassador Programs: October through April

The High School Health Careers Ambassador Program (11th and 12th graders ONLY), Undergraduate Health Careers Ambassador Program, and Health Professional Health Careers Ambassador Program will offer the following:

  • Formal and informal opportunities for counseling, mentoring, and group support.
  • Academic support services, academic enrichment, and skill development.
  • Educational and clinical shadowing.
  • Monthly meetings/workshops focused on financial aid planning, health disparities, stress management, public health, etc.
  • Group sessions with local practicing physicians, dentists, pharmacists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists.
  • Field trips.
  • Professional Test Preparation (MCAT, DAT, PCAT, GRE)

Summer Program (six-week program): June through July

The High School Summer Program (Rising 11th and 12th graders ONLY) and Undergraduate Summer Program will offer the following:

  • Structured Coursework in Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Psychology, Writing, Test Preparation, etc.
  • Formal and informal opportunities for counseling, mentoring, and group support.
  • Academic support services, academic enrichment, and skill development.
  • Educational and clinical shadowing.
  • Monthly meetings/workshops focused on financial aid planning, health disparities, stress management, public health, etc.
  • Group sessions with local practicing physicians, dentists, pharmacists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists.
  • Scheduled field trips and tours of health professional private offices.

Pipeline to Success – HCOP will provide monthly stipends to students that actively participate and complete ALL program activities required by each specific program. 

In addition, Pipeline to Success – HCOP will offer a scholarship to students who are currently in the health professional schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, or occupational therapy.

Q: How do I submit my application packet?

A: Applications can be submitted in-person, online, or by email using the information located under "Contact Us."

Q: Do my transcripts need to be official?

A: Transcripts must be official and sent as official hard copies.  Unofficial transcripts will not be considered.

Q: How long should I make my personal statement?

A: Try to limit your personal statement to one page.

Q: How much does the program cost?

A: The program is FREE.

Q: How much does the program pay?

A:  Each participant will receive a stipend and/or scholarship for active participation in the program and its activities.

Q: How will I know if I am accepted into the Pipeline to Success - HCOP?

A:  If you are accepted into the program, you will be contacted via email. Your acceptance letter will include information such as the date and time of Orientation, location, and specific forms to complete before the first day of your session.

If you are not accepted or placed on a waitlist, you will also be contacted via email.

For more information, please contact us at:

Creighton University
Health Sciences - Multicultural and Community Affairs (HS-MACA)
Health Careers Opportunity Program
Hixson-Lied Science Building, Suite G-13
2500 California Plaza
Omaha, NE 68178

Jonathan Saffold
Program Supervisor HCOP
Office: 402.280.4112
Fax: 402.280.4030
jsaffold@creighton.edu