Gain firsthand experience in a variety of health care settings, impact patients’ lives and become an integral part of the care delivery team.
As a Health Scholar, you will gain firsthand experience in both clinical and administrative health care settings and become an integral part of the care delivery team. You will assist with basic care for patients alongside nurses, physicians and other members of the care delivery team, and have opportunities to learn the “business” of health care, preparing you for your health care career.
Why Health Scholar?
What You’ll Get:
Firsthand experience in both clinical and administrative healthcare settings alongside nurses and physicians.
Understand regulatory site requirements, infection control, teamwork, patient safety, and healthcare reform.
Apply clinical and administrative knowledge in real-world patient care scenarios during experiential education.
Gain volunteer hours that strengthen applications for medical, nursing, and other graduate programs.
Opportunities for leadership roles within the program to build confidence, teamwork, and management experience.
Health Scholars are preferred applicants for roles at partner health systems and COPE Health Solutions. Role-specific training is available for Community Health Worker, Care Navigator, and more.
This program is offered year-round with enrollment occurring every quarter or monthly. Most individuals graduate from the program in 15 months after completing 250 hours of field experience with a commitment of 4 hours per week. For those looking to complete the program faster, we offer 9-month and 3-month options where you will receive priority shift selection in order to finish at an accelerated pace.
Program Requirements
Must be 18+ years old.
Healthcare Ethics & Compliance Training – Scholars must complete training on HIPAA, patient privacy, infection control, and workplace safety before starting [DONE WITH US].
Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR Certification – Some sites may require Scholars to be certified in CPR/BLS for Providers from the American Heart Association.
Background Check & Health Screenings – Scholars must pass a background check, TB test, immunization verification, and drug screening as part of their onboarding.
Professionalism & Conduct Standards – Participants must adhere to dress codes, behavioral expectations, and communication protocols in the healthcare setting.
Program sites enforce substance-free learning environments, and drug testing may be required.
Some sites may restrict concurrent enrollment for current volunteers or employees—contact admissions for site-specific policies.
*** STUDENTS THAT APPLY BEFORE JANUARY 15TH ARE GUARANTEED AN INTERVIEW FOR THE 2026B COHORT ***
Application Deadline: January 15th, 2026
NEW SITE Bakersfield Memorial Hospital
Must be 18+ years old.
Healthcare Ethics & Compliance Training – Scholars must complete training on HIPAA, patient privacy, infection control, and workplace safety before starting [DONE WITH US].
Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR Certification – Some sites may require Scholars to be certified in CPR/BLS for Providers from the American Heart Association.
Background Check & Health Screenings – Scholars must pass a background check, TB test, immunization verification, and drug screening as part of their onboarding.
Professionalism & Conduct Standards – Participants must adhere to dress codes, behavioral expectations, and communication protocols in the healthcare setting.
Program sites enforce substance-free learning environments, and drug testing may be required.
Some sites may restrict concurrent enrollment for current volunteers or employees—contact admissions for site-specific policies.
