Are you considering a career in healthcare? The Parkland Academy Career Observation Program (PA-COP) offers a unique opportunity to explore the medical field firsthand. This program is designed for individuals like you, who are eager to make informed decisions about their future careers by shadowing experienced medical professionals.
Through the Career Observation Program, participants gain invaluable insights into the daily realities of various healthcare occupations. You’ll witness the work environment, understand the practical application of professional training, and discover a range of potential career paths you might not have considered. This experience is structured to boost your career awareness, fulfill educational or application prerequisites for further studies, and provide positive role models to guide your professional behavior.
Parkland Academy recognized the significant advantages of a career observation program and launched PA-COP in the fall of 2013. Since its inception, PA-COP has received numerous applications from individuals interested in diverse areas within healthcare. To cater to varying needs and time commitments, PA-COP offers three distinct observation experiences, differentiated by duration, ensuring there’s a suitable option for everyone.
To apply for the Career Observation Program, it’s important to note the application deadlines. A complete application must be submitted six weeks before your desired observation start date. For instance, if you wish to begin your observation on March 4, 2024, the deadline for your application is January 22, 2024.
Application Steps for the Career Observation Program
Ready to take the next step? Here’s how to apply for an observation experience with the Parkland Academy Career Observation Program:
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Review the Requirements: First, carefully examine the eligibility and immunization requirements to ensure you meet the necessary criteria. You can find detailed information on these requirements at the following links:
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Identify a Preceptor: The next step is to locate a preceptor in your specific area of healthcare interest. A preceptor is a medical professional who will supervise and guide your observation experience.
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Request Application Packet: Once you have found a preceptor who is willing to support your shadowing experience, send an email to [email protected] to request the official application packet.
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Submit Completed Application: After completing all the required forms in the application packet, send them to [email protected].
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Application Status Notification: You will be informed about the status of your application via email within one week of submitting your complete application.
For any further inquiries or if you require additional information about the Parkland Academy Career Observation Program, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected].
