Health Professions Academy (HPA)

• Health Professions Academy is an educational program designed to prepare and inspire individuals for careers in various health professions. We offer a structured online curriculum. This comprehensive course is designed to provide students with a multifaceted educational experience focusing on leadership development, public health principles, ACT preparation strategies, study habit improvement techniques, and exploration of careers in the healthcare field. Through a combination of lectures, interactive activities, and real-world applications, students will gain valuable knowledge and skills to excel academically, professionally, and personally.

• We cater to high school students in grades 9-12 residing in rural west Alabama with restricted access to healthcare resources and educational avenues. The Health Professions Academy (HPA) actively welcomes students interested in healthcare, spanning various disciplines such as allied health and related fields. We prioritize the selection of students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, aligning with our program’s commitment to fostering cultural competence. HPA seeks individuals who are academically driven and demonstrate a strong dedication to serving and positively impacting their rural communities through healthcare initiatives. As prerequisites, students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and showcase both their academic potential and commitment to pursuing higher education in
  healthcare fields. This ensures a foundation for success in their educational journey within the healthcare domain.

• Schools interested in joining the HPA program can take the first step by completing a
  School Interest Form using the provided link. Once submitted, a representative from the HPA program will reach out to schedule a consultation to assess the program alignment with the school’s needs. Subsequently, a selection committee within each participating schools, consisting of STEM teachers, HOSA teachers, school counselors, and the principal, will nominate 20 students. From these, 15 will be chosen for participation while the remaining 5 will be placed on a waiting list. Selected students will then receive notifications along with a link to the online application. After submission, final selections will be made by the HPA administrators.

● Leadership Development:

○ Understand the principles of effective leadership and its importance in various
contexts.
○ Develop essential leadership skills such as communication, teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving.
○ Explore different leadership styles and strategies for influencing positive change in communities.

● Public Health Principles:

○ Gain an understanding of key concepts and principles in public health, including epidemiology, health promotion, and disease prevention.
○ Learn about the social determinants of health and disparities in healthcare
access and outcomes.
○ Explore current public health issues and challenges facing communities globally.

● ACT Prep Strategy:

○ Familiarize yourself with the format, structure, and content of the ACT exam.
○ Develop effective test-taking strategies for each section of the ACT, including
English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing.
○ Practice with sample questions and full-length practice tests to improve
performance and increase confidence.

● Study Habit Improvement:

○ Identify individual learning styles and preferences to optimize study habits and
techniques.
○ Learn time management strategies, note-taking methods, and active learning
techniques to enhance academic performance.
○ Develop effective study routines and habits for long-term success in academic
and professional endeavors.

● Health Career Exploration:

○ Explore a variety of career pathways within the healthcare field, including clinical and non-clinical roles.
○ Learn about educational requirements, job responsibilities, and career prospects for various healthcare professions.
○ Engage with healthcare professionals through guest speakers, site visits, and
informational interviews to gain insight into different career options.

• Applications are accepted on a continuous, ongoing basis with no fixed deadline. Each cohort begins in October.

•  Students are selected for HPA in a variety of ways. Teachers, counselors, and NSLC alumni nominate students from across West Alabama. Students may also be selected from a direct application submission this link.Services Provided:● Career Exploration: Gain exposure to various healthcare professions, helping students make informed decisions about their career paths.
  ● Mentorship Opportunities: Receive guidance and support from experienced
  healthcare professionals, fostering personal and professional development.
  ● Skill Development: Develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and cultural competence through hands-on experiences and workshops.
  ● Networking: Connect with professionals, mentors, and peers within the healthcare
  industry, expanding potential opportunities for internships and future collaborations.
  ● Community Engagement: Participate in community service projects and initiatives, contributing to the well-being of the local community.
  ● Educational Enrichment: Access workshops, seminars, and resources that enhance academic knowledge and prepare students for higher education in healthcare.
  ● Resume Building: Acquire valuable experiences and accomplishments to enhance resumes and college applications.
  ● Personal Growth: Cultivate qualities such as leadership, empathy, and adaptability, contributing to holistic personal growth.

• Enroll today