news/files/2025/08/98_3A9_5881567_498869103_3.jpg 580w, https://web-9635.kxcdn.com/news/files/2025/08/98_3A9_5881567_498869103_3-300×200.jpg 300w” data-lazy-sizes=”(max-width: 380px) 100vw, 380px” src=”https://web-9635.kxcdn.com/news/files/2025/08/98_3A9_5881567_498869103_3.jpg”/>Southern Arkansas University recently concluded a successful six-week summer session of the Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) Academy, an initiative funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and coordinated in partnership with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). Held from June 9 to July 18, 2025, the academy introduced 33 rising high school seniors from South Arkansas to a wide range of healthcare careers through immersive experiences, mentorship, and hands-on training.
The HCOP Academy at SAU was co-directed by Dr. Abdel Bachri, professor of physics and dean of the College of Science and Engineering, and Dr. Daniel McDermott, associate professor of biology. Together with Ms. Yolanda Carman, UAMS HCOP program manager, HCOP scholars from diverse backgrounds who share a common goal, improving health outcomes and making a difference in people’s lives by pursuing a career in the healthcare workforce, were welcomed to the SAU Campus.
“The mission of the AR Delta HCOP Academy is to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals in Arkansas. Over the course of six weeks, our scholars embarked on a transformative journey, gaining essential knowledge across disciplines while developing hands-on skills that position them for success in the healthcare workforce.”— Shanea M. Nelson, Ph.D., executive director, UAMS Academic Pathways and Workforce Partnerships.
Over the six-week program, students conducted a variety of healthcare simulations within the SAU Nursing department. These included wound care, performing vitals, performing a blood transfusion, drawing blood, and assessing newborns. During the final week of the camp, students applied several of these skills in a simulation scenario where they worked together to care for a newly admitted patient.
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Students performed scientific experiments under the guidance of several SAU Biology and Chemistry faculty members, including cheek cell staining and examination, introducing a new gene into bacteria and isolating that protein from the bacteria, performing dissections, acid-base titrations, and density gradients. Students also learned how to perform a variety of microbiological assays, including isolating bacteria, Gram staining and microbial diagnostic techniques, including ELISA.
In addition to SAU, scholars visited additional campuses during the program to explore careers in healthcare. Students went to the UAMS campus, exploring healthcare careers in respiratory therapy, medical lab technology, sonography, physician assistant, and radiologic imaging sciences. Students also visited the SAU Tech campus for nursing and the Arkansas Fire Training Academy, and South Arkansas College to learn about careers in EMS, surgical technology, physician therapy, and radiology technology.
Additional outside partners also worked with scholars, including Newhaven Counseling and Health Services in Magnolia, which provided HCOP scholars with knowledge and shadowing experience in mental health. In preparation for this, scholars received Mental Health First Aid training and certification by the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership.
Magnolia Regional Medical Center conducted a stroke analysis session and blood typing activity, and the UAMS Medical Lab Sciences program performed a urine analysis activity with the scholars. The Columbia County Ambulance Service and Survival Flight discussed careers in emergency services, which included tours of an ambulance and a medical helicopter.
Richard Reeves and Alisha Howell from UAMS South talked with students about careers in healthcare administration and nursing, respectively. LBR Fitness did a physical wellness and nutrition session at the Mulerider Activity Center, highlighting the importance of personal health and fitness in the healthcare professions.
Students gained practical skills, including resume and presentation building, and financial literacy training from Kimberly Marshall, Unified CDC, Inc., They also received professionalism in the workplace by training from Bridgette Edmondson, Bridges Workforce Solutions, and Stephen Attebery, UAMS South, who discussed how to prepare for a career in healthcare professions.news/files/2025/08/1ED_30E_5881567_509189770_3.jpg 580w, https://web-9635.kxcdn.com/news/files/2025/08/1ED_30E_5881567_509189770_3-300×200.jpg 300w” data-lazy-sizes=”(max-width: 402px) 100vw, 402px” src=”https://web-9635.kxcdn.com/news/files/2025/08/1ED_30E_5881567_509189770_3.jpg”/>
“The HCOP program offered a unique blend of informational sessions with hands-on activities, showing scholars what it was like to be in that healthcare field,” said Dr. McDermott. “A combination of many SAU faculty and our community partners allowed this camp to be an exceptional experience for our scholars.”
The UAMS College of Public Health, coordinated by Ms. Cindy Lewis, introduced career options in Public Health. Students also developed a Public Service Announcement covering health topics relevant to the students. Students presented their PSA presentations and promotional videos in the closing ceremony held on June 18, which celebrated the students’ successful completion of the program.
“It was inspiring to see these students’ curiosity grow as they explored careers ranging from nursing to radiology, public health to emergency medicine,” said Dr. Bachri. “The HCOP Academy helps them see what’s possible—and realize that a future in healthcare is within reach.”
“We’re thrilled to provide transformative educational opportunities that shine a light on diverse healthcare careers,” said Yolanda Carman. “With our tailored enrichment program like HCOP, we’re not just empowering future health professionals; we’re paving the way for a healthier future for all Arkansans!”
The HCOP Academy is part of a larger effort to develop a diverse and resilient healthcare workforce in rural Arkansas, where access to care and health equity remains a persistent challenge. By offering early exposure to healthcare professions, mentorship, and academic enrichment, the program empowers high school students to pursue higher education and ultimately serve their own communities. Scholars will continue to receive mentoring and support throughout their senior year and into college, with plans for a follow-up academy in summer 2026.
About SAU:
SAU, located in Magnolia, Arkansas, provides students with a complete college experience in a caring environment of service, innovation, and community. With more than 100 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to fit the needs of career and professional trends of today. As part of this commitment, SAU proudly offers the Next Step Guarantee program, ensuring that students receive the necessary resources, career guidance, and support to transition successfully from college to their chosen careers or graduate studies. To learn more about SAU, visit www.saumag.edu.
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