Applicants encouraged to apply early for RHOP

Information about the application process is available online.

Applicants must be rural Nebraska residents or graduates of a Nebraska high school. Students must live outside of the Omaha-Lincoln metropolitan regions.

According to Dean of Business, Math, and Science Dr. Shaunda French-Collins, the CSC faculty and staff create an environment where students can gain knowledge and skills from a long-standing and highly successful pre-health program.

“CSC students in the RHOP program continue to be extremely successful both at CSC and then at UNMC. We encourage Nebraska seniors to apply who are looking for a collaborative, supportive, learning environment. CSC offers not only a high-quality education but also numerous opportunities to shadow and network with health professionals across the state,” French-Collins said. 

Office Assistant II Jessy Roberts said she is convinced that one of CSC’s real strengths is the dedicated faculty who are genuinely interested and invested in the RHOP program.

Current RHOP participant Sam Aitken of Wausa, Nebraska, said the program provides valuable experiences, support, and opportunities to help students prepare for professional healthcare programs.

Hailey Rademacher of Loup City, Nebraska, said RHOP has provided her with a supportive community to prepare for professional school.

“Small class sizes have allowed me to connect with professors and become close with my peers. RHOP has also given me the opportunity to connect with faculty at UNMC. These experiences have allowed me to grow academically and build relationships with those who have similar goals. I would encourage anyone interested in the healthcare field to apply to RHOP because it puts you a step ahead of others and prepares you for the next step of your educational journey,” Rademacher said.

Liam Blaser of Duncan, Nebraska, said the RHOP program has allowed him to pursue his passion for healthcare.

“Along with growing my professional career, RHOP has given me the opportunity to meet and grow with some of my closest colleges, who have become my best friends. RHOP not only prepares students for their professional career but also allows them to flourish into young adults who are eager to provide passionate and effective healthcare across the entire state,” Blaser said.

The RHOP selection process is competitive. Students who are committed to enhancing access to rural Nebraska health care will have an advantage in the selection process. Successful applicants must demonstrate knowledge of their healthcare discipline, strong academic potential and solid academic work ethics, and past participation in activities, leadership, and community engagement.

In addition to completing and submitting the RHOP application, students must apply for admission to CSC, submit a personal essay and resume that includes work experience, high school honors, and extracurricular activities. Other requirements include a high school transcript, college transcripts from dual-enrollment courses, if applicable, ACT and/or SAT scores, and three letters of recommendation.

Interview dates in mid-January to early February will vary by program.

Once students are selected for RHOP, they are required to successfully complete specific academic courses, participate in the Health Professions Club, and model professional codes of conduct and behavior.