Feb 15th 2008, 07:03

Health Care Career Now More Attainable

Assistance available to disadvantaged people eyeing a Health Care profession

Let’s face it; the economy isn’t the most stable entity out there. A college education can be very expensive, seemingly out-of-reach to financially-strapped or disadvantaged individuals, especially if the desired course program is along the lines of health and medicine. For those who have not given up on being a health practitioner, your patience may very well have paid off. The government is working towards enhancing its citizens’ career prospects through education assistance.

Introducing the ‘Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP).’ It aims to aid people of disadvantaged backgrounds to be educated to become full-fledged health professionals. In a nutshell, the funding is awarded to medical schools offering a wide array of medical/health care courses including veterinary care, dentistry, mental health, optometry, chiropractic medicine and various other health care fields. It also encompasses public & private institutions and/or faith-/community-based organizations providing primary health services.

HCOP basically provides a window of opportunity to people who would otherwise consider a career as a health care professional unattainable. The program focuses on:

1. Identifying potential students of disadvantaged backgrounds and assisting them in qualifying for entry in an appropriate school or program in preparation for a health care career;

2. Helping targeted students receive preliminary training or exposure to increase the chances of them successfully enrolling in and completing a regular course education;

3. Providing allowances to individuals undergoing the above student-enhancement programs (not regular courses) for a maximum 12-month period;

4. Referring possible sources of student financial assistance that may be available to them;

5. Assisting these individuals to gain valuable work experience in health care by establishing partnerships with various public & non-profit or community-based facilities providing health services.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is now accepting applications up to 22 February 2008.

 

To Do List: - Suggested Links:

1. Increase Your Income:
   Get an online degree with financial aid from the government.

2. Consolidate Your Bills:
   Student Loans - Credit Card Debts - Refinance Home

3. Reward Yourself:
   Get a new computer for free.

4. Get some cash you don’t have to pay back:
   Government has money for almost any worthwhile need.

5. A MasterCard or Visa, even if your credit is not good:
   A real line of credit