A hands-on clinical and administrative experience opportunity for pre-healthcare professionals.
The COPE Health Scholars Programs, at partnering hospitals, give pre-healthcare students unparalleled access to direct patient care and hospital administrative areas. Program participants become valuable members of the care team, working alongside nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals in clinical and administrative settings. These programs give high school students, college students, and career changers the opportunity to learn a patient-centered approach to care, advance their professional school candidacy, and begin lifelong relationships through the COPE Health Scholars alumni network.
All Washington-based programs offer completion certificates through the University of Puget Sound.
Health Scholars Program (ages 18+)
Offered at locations in Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, and California.
COPE Health Scholars participate in an immersive educational experience with direct patient care in a clinical setting. Participants receive training on proper bedside etiquette, taking vitals, bathing patients, and other patient care activities. Scholars work alongside physicians, nurses, healthcare administrators, and other professionals on clinical departments ranging between general medical units to highly specialized departments including the operating room.
What you need to know about the program
4 available tracks:
- 15-month program
- 9-month program
- 6-month program
- 3-month program
280 total hours, which include:
- 30 online module and in-person training hours
- 250 in-person practicum hours
- Establish quality clinical hours for school or future medical programs
- Mentorship opportunities available
Junior Health Scholars Program (ages 16-17)
Offered at locations in Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, and California.
The Junior Health Scholars program allows high school students between the ages of 16-17 to shadow a current Health Scholar or work independently in the patient care setting, depending on site requirements. Junior Health Scholars observe how care delivery and administrative teams work together to provide excellent care, explore whether a career in healthcare is right for them, and earn a completion certificate from the University of Puget Sound.
What you need to know about the program
3 available tracks:
- 9-month program
- 6-month program
- 3-month program
164 total hours, which include:
- 24 online module and in-person training hours
- 140 practicum hours
Medical Assistant Training Program (ages 18+)
Offered at locations in Oregon and California.
The Medical Assistant Training Program is an innovative joint effort between COPE Health Scholars and Adventist Health Portland to provide an affordable and convenient way to enter the field. Over the course of several months, participants gain the skills and foundational knowledge needed to succeed as medical assistants in a clinical environment through virtual self-study lectures and in-person training guided by experienced professionals. Graduates of the program will sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam.
What you need to know about the program
- Prepares graduates for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant exam
- Hybrid learning program
- Self-guided weekly study with virtual instructor discussions
- Four in-person skills labs
- 200 hours of practicum rotations in Adventist Health clinics
- Flexible schedule tailored to working professionals
All COPE Health Scholars Programs offer:
- Hands-on experience and a completion certificate
- Mentorship opportunities with healthcare professionals and COPE Health Scholars staff
- Preparation and competitive advantage for entry-level hospital positions
- Leadership opportunities to develop professional skills
- Seminars with guest speakers and healthcare panels
- Career exploration and development