What Are Cooperative Programs in Health and Medicine?
This post will explore the top cooperative programs in health and medicine. We will also include detailed explanations of why these experiences are important and how to pick the right one.
Having a skilled team is crucial in healthcare. Thus, it makes sense that so many people in the field undergo extensive training before they start their careers.
For example, a Nursing student needs to learn to check patients’ health, give medications, and talk to families well. A Physical Therapy student should know how to make rehab plans and help patients with exercises. A Medical Office Administration student must be ready to manage records, bill patients, and handle other office tasks.
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A solid training program will show you how to use these skills. However, completing cooperative programs in health and medicine can help students get the hang of them much faster on the job. This is why co-op has become very popular over the past few years.
Cooperative degree programs are partnerships among students, employers, and the college that provides practical work experience alongside classroom training. Key points of co-op degree options in healthcare include:
- Academic focus
- Paid (minimum wage to $18+/hour)
- Full-time work
- Completed during breaks
Related Articles:
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- Best Cooperative Programs for STEM Majors
- Top 5 Benefits of Enrolling in a Cooperative Education Program
- Top Industries Actively Hiring Cooperative Program Graduates
- Types of Cooperative Degree Programs: Internship vs. Work-Study Models
Top Co-op Programs for Healthcare Students
Drexel University
Located in Philadelphia, a top healthcare and pharmaceutical hub, Drexel University offers one of the best co-op programs for nursing students. Drexel’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Co-op program, launched in 1919, gives students real-world experience, enhances their clinical training, and sets them apart in nursing education.
Here are a few facts about Drexel’s nursing co-op program:
- 92% of graduates are employed or in postgraduate education shortly after graduation.
- Students gain exposure to various specialties.
- Opportunities are available in Philadelphia and nationwide. Students can work in top healthcare systems like the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine.
Northeastern University
At NU, learning goes beyond the classroom. The Bouvé College of Health Sciences emphasizes experiential education, linking coursework to real-world experiences. Students engage in various programs, including co-ops, research, service learning, and global opportunities.
Students gain valuable insights and connect with the community through its medical field cooperative education. All undergraduates are required to complete at least two 6-month co-op experiences, showcasing the Northeastern difference. Sample clinical placement sites include:
- Beth Israel Lahey Health
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Cambridge Health Alliance
- Children’s Hospital
- East Boston Neighborhood Health Center
- Massachusetts General Hospital
University of Illinois Chicago
UIC’s College of Applied Health Sciences co-op programs are among the most intensive in the nation. Students who participate in a co-op typically earn about $10,000 more in their first job after graduation compared to those who don’t. They are also more likely to have job offers secured by graduation!
If you’re diving into health sciences at UIC, you’ll find co-op opportunities in all sorts of fields. These include nursing, public health, pharmacy, and healthcare administration. Plus, UIC really promotes teamwork across different health disciplines. You might get the chance to collaborate on some cool interdisciplinary projects.
University of Detroit Mercy
The cooperative degree programs in healthcare at the University of Detroit Mercy are plentiful and serve as essential components of each program’s curriculum. Over the past two years, more than 90% of Health Professions and 100% of Nursing grads landed career-related jobs or entered grad school within six months of graduation.
They also have this unique program called Faces on Design. It’s a joint effort between higher-level nursing students and seniors in engineering and science. Together, they create unique assistive devices to help the disabled community. This collaboration lets Nursing students apply everything they’ve learned—from pharmacology to community health—while helping Engineering students with their designs.
Some of its partners include:
- Ascension St. John
- Beaumont
- Oakwood Health Systems
- Corewell Health System
- Cabrini Health Clinic
- Detroit Health Department
- Detroit Medical Center (DMC)
- Garden City Hospital
- Hurley Medical Center
- Trinity Health
- Henry Ford Health
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati offers several nursing cooperative education opportunities. The college’s co-op program connects BSN students with experienced mentors for a paid, one-on-one learning experience at UC Medical Center and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Students complete at least 600 hours of guided clinical placements, where they develop competencies and learn about different hospital units.
They work in diverse areas, such as general medical/surgical units, ICUs, operating rooms, and more. Many even have the chance to take on charge nurse responsibilities under supervision.
In addition to medical co-op programs for students, UC also offers two more experiential learning experiences:
- Dedicated Education Units (DEUs). This pair of nursing students one-on-one with staff nurses at local hospitals. They provide unique clinical experiences that enhance peer teaching and clinical skills without extending the degree timeline.
- Global Programs. This allows students to study abroad in various countries to learn about global health issues. Recent destinations include the UK, Thailand, Japan, and Tanzania, with partial scholarships available.
Benefits of Co-op Degree Options in Nursing
People’s lives are in your hands if you pursue a career in healthcare and medicine. Even if you’re looking for a healthcare administration career, your decisions can significantly impact patient care. In this field, learning by doing is immensely important.
Joining a co-op program is a great way to build your skills, understand the industry, and gain valuable experience that will help you in your future career. Here are the main benefits of pursuing co-op programs in healthcare and medicine.
Hands-On Experience
Healthcare cooperative learning programs are very valuable because they give students real experience. Unlike regular classroom lectures, they let you work directly with the tools and procedures you’ll use every day.
By using the actual healthcare equipment, you can better understand how it works and what it can do. This hands-on practice helps you apply what they learn in real situations, leading to better care for patients. Whether students or experienced workers, everyone benefits from this practical approach.
Networking Opportunities
Co-op placements do more than just build your skills; they also help you connect with healthcare professionals. Having a solid network is important in all types of industries. However, in healthcare, it has its significance.
Did you know that nearly 50% of job opportunities come from referrals? Healthcare professionals who network effectively are more likely to get patient referrals. It opens up more job opportunities and helps you build strong teams.
Career Readiness
All in all, co-op programs help you become ready for your career path. During your work co-op experience, you’ll get used to the workplace, which helps you know what to expect when you look for another job in the same field.
When you’re searching for a new healthcare job, having relevant work experience is a big plus. It shows employers that you’re serious about your career and already know how to apply your skills in a real job. That’s why doing healthcare courses with a co-op component is such a great advantage—it gives you the chance to beef up your resume with some solid work experience!
Medical Field Co-op Programs: What to Expect
Experiential preparation is key for a strong application to any health professional program. During a Cooperative Education Program, you’ll have the chance to work full-time while studying. This co-op experience helps students explore career interests, build professional networks, and develop valuable skills.
While co-op programs can be different, depending on your chosen profession, your training will focus on developing technical skills and improving interpersonal and professional abilities. The following competencies are from the Association of American Medical Colleges and apply to all health professions:
- Commitment to Learning
- Cultural Awareness
- Cultural Humility
- Empathy and Compassion
- Ethical Responsibility
- Interpersonal Skills
- Oral Communication
- Reliability
- Resilience
- Service Orientation
- Teamwork
Science Competencies
- Human Behavior
- Living Systems
Thinking and Reasoning Competencies
- Critical Thinking
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Scientific Inquiry
- Written Communication
Students typically begin their first co-op in the second semester of their sophomore year or during the summer after. Based on their major, each student gets a co-op coordinator and must complete a “co-op preparation course,” which is usually taught by that coordinator.
Health professional programs seek candidates with diverse experiences. While there aren’t specific PreMed or PreHealth co-ops, students should pursue positions that align with their interests and qualifications. Here’s what to expect in various co-op categories:
Clinical Placements
These roles involve direct interaction with healthcare professionals and patients. It helps you understand healthcare systems and develop interpersonal skills. Examples include:
- EMT
- CNA
- patient care assistant
- medical assistant
- medical scribe
Service Cooperative
Service-focused co-ops show your commitment to community betterment. Examples include:
- teaching
- public health initiatives
- non-profit work
- homeless services
Research Cooperative
Research co-ops can be in any field, allowing you to learn about the research process and enhance critical thinking. Opportunities include:
- academic research
- biotechnology
- social science research
- clinical studies
Industry Cooperative
Industry co-ops build leadership and teamwork skills, with options in consulting, healthcare administration, finance, and data analytics.
Global Cooperative
Global co-ops provide a broader perspective, allowing you to understand healthcare in an international context.
How to Choose the Right Co-op Program in Health Sciences
Choosing a co-op program can be challenging. You need to consider factors such as the program’s duration, intensity, location, and support offered.
Another factor to consider is the cost. Some offer affordable co-op programs in health sciences, while others can be a bit more expensive.
Here are a few guidelines to help make choosing the right co-op program easier.
Location and Requirements
Location is an important factor in choosing a co-op program. Some states may offer better job opportunities or networking prospects in health sciences than others. Here are two important tips:
- Research local healthcare facilities and their reputations to find a program that aligns with your career goals.
- Ensure you meet specific requirements, such as prerequisites or certifications, before applying.
Program Length
Co-ops can be pretty intense. They typically last between 3 and 12 months, and many students end up working with the same employer for multiple terms—either back-to-back or spread out over a few years.
Consider the duration of the co-op and how it fits into your academic schedule. Some programs may offer part-time options or flexible hours, allowing you to balance work and study more effectively.
Support Services
Look for programs that provide strong support and resources, including mentorship, workshops, and networking events. Programs with robust career services can help you secure valuable placements and interview preparation.
The Value of Co-op Education in Health and Medical Fields
Co-op programs build technical skills and allow you to develop important soft skills. For one, they sharpen critical thinking. In practical exercises, healthcare pros must think quickly and solve problems on the spot—especially in emergencies. It’s also a safe space to make and learn from mistakes, helping develop problem-solving skills.
Additionally, co-op programs let people collaborate in realistic settings, teaching them how to share info, delegate tasks, and work toward common goals. This not only improves patient outcomes but also builds a supportive team culture.
In addition to developing competencies for career growth and advancements, you’ll also have access to a wider network. Not only will this help you open better job opportunities, but it will also allow you to stay up to date on industry trends.
Healthcare is constantly changing, with new research, technologies, and treatments always emerging. By connecting with like-minded practitioners, you can share ideas and experiences, which can help improve patient care.
Conclusion: Taking the Next Step in Your Healthcare Career
Co-op degree benefits in nursing or any health sciences are plentiful. They offer a unique learning experience, blending study and work for real-world insights. They provide networking opportunities, often leading to full-time job offers. Paid positions enhance your income and help cover tuition costs, while practical experience strengthens your resume.