Preparing for the Health Professions

HSC Office for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Launches Summer 2020 Communities to Careers Programs

The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center's Office for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is supporting the growth of a diverse health care workforce in with the launch of its Summer 2020 Communities to Careers programs.

The programs look a little different this year, as they transition to virtual learning environments due to COVID-19 precautions, but that has not deterred program participants.

The programs, including the Health Careers Academy for high school students, and Test Prep for pre-professional students preparing for the GRE, MCAT and DAT, drew robust interest from student applicants and have full cohorts.

High school juniors and seniors from northeastern New Mexico are participating in the virtual Health Careers Academy, which will run until July 10.

The program is funded through a Health Careers Opportunity Program grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration. It is designed to support a student's interested in a health career by offering a biology dual credit course, online ACT test prep, sessions with health care professionals and a community service mask-making project.

Partners from El Centro Family Health, West Las Vegas High School, Luna Community College, Area Health Education Centers and the 100% Community Initiative are collaborating to empower and inspire these aspiring health professionals.

Additional virtual Health Careers Academies are also planned for students from the Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Farmington regions, as well as from Santa Fe Indian School during the month of July.

Twenty-five diverse pre-med and pre-dental students are taking part in the MCAT and DAT Test Prep Programs.

Test Prep aims to provide pre-professional students tools and resources to become more competitive applicants. It includes test preparation courses offered in partnership with Kaplan Test Services and sessions with HSC professionals and support staff.

Topics include preparing resumes and CVs, mock interviews, applying for financial aid, admissions and the social determinants of health.

All programs require a competitive application process and classes are full this year.