Learn It
Programs and Services
If you’re in school, you’re in luck. There are excellent programs and services available to Virginia students interested in health care careers:
HOSA
The Virginia Association of Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) can help you prepare for a health career. HOSA provides students who are pursuing careers in education or health occupations with opportunities to expand their knowledge and develop skills and leadership. These outreach efforts assist HOSA in its mission to enhance the delivery of compassionate, quality health care.
Virginia Association of Health Occupation Students of America
Department of Education
P.O. Box 2120
Richmond, VA 23218-2120
(804) 225-2842 or (757) 683-6397
Governor’s Schools
If you’ve been designated as a gifted student, don’t overlook the opportunities available to you through Virginia’s Governor’s Schools.
Summer residential schools provide high school juniors and seniors with intensive educational experiences in a variety of areas, including science and technology. Students live on a college campus for four to six weeks and participate in classroom, lab and field work. Some participate in mentorships, which allow them to work side-by-side with a variety of professionals.
Summer regional schools are usually housed at a public school or on the campus of a college or university. The programs may last all day or a few hours a day and may continue for two to four weeks. Students return home at the end of each class day.
Academic year programs take the place of all or part of a student’s high school experience, offering advanced opportunities in science, mathematics, humanities, technology and the visual and performing arts.
For more information, contact the Department of Education, Programs for the Gifted, at (804) 225-2884.
Tech Prep
If you’re still in middle school or the early years of high school, check out the Tech Prep programs. Students enter Tech Prep in the 11th grade and remain with the program as they complete high school and a two-year college degree or apprenticeship program. Students choose which area they want to concentrate in — including a program in “Health, Human Services and Public Services.” Other areas range from agriculture to engineering. Tech Prep is available at nearly every school division and community college in Virginia. For more information, call (804) 225-2600 www.schev.edu/students.
- At least 50 percent of Virginia medical school graduates shall enter generalist practice; and
- At least 50 percent of Virginia medical school graduates entering generalist practice shall enter practice in Virginia upon completion of residency training.