Founded by Howard A. Rusk, MD, and sponsored by the Wallace Foundation, the Health Career Opportunity Program has graduated approximately 5,700 students throughout its 50-year history. Offered in partnership with Rusk Rehabilitation, our program is unique because it offers students the opportunity to receive an intense experience in one specific health field and concurrently explore other health professions.

For 2026, the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Emergency Medicine Health Career Opportunity Program will take place at The Home Depot Emergency Department at NYU Langone Health – Cobble Hill.

The Health Career Opportunity Program in Emergency Medicine consists of one four-week session beginning in mid-July and ending in early August. The emergency medicine program provides students with a hands-on observational clinical experience and exposure to the diversity and variety of health professions within emergency care. Students can expect to spend each weekday morning clinically observing in the emergency department, rotating in emergency medicine, in specialties such as pharmacy, radiology, social work, and nursing. Additionally, the Health Career Opportunity Program offers its participants lectures, small groups, and MCAT preparatory classes most afternoons. Students integrate with and work alongside multiple emergency care team members including physicians, physician assistants, residents, fellows, nurses, and medical students.

Students must be available for the entirety of the program in order to participate. Students are given the option for NYU housing for the entire duration of the program.

How to Apply

Learn more about the HCOP application materials and timeline.