HCCP Student Programs
Health Care Career Pathways offers programs for college students from groups that have not been well represented in health professions. Any Washington student who is interested in a future in health care and committed to racial health equity is encouraged to apply. We contribute to Washington's workforce development by meeting pre-health career students where they are, whether disadvantaged by socioeconomic background, geographic location, or first-generation college attendance.
Interested, but not quite ready to jump in?
Fill out our HCCP Interest Form to start getting e-mail, application alerts and news from HCCP, so you can plan for upcoming opportunities.
Your starting point: choose from virtual rounds or future public health leaders
Learn about health systems, racial health equity, and how to make a difference as a future health care leader!
College students can choose the clinical track by starting with Virtual Rounds (VR) or the public health track with Future Public Health Leaders (FPHL). All students will gain valuable clinical knowledge and will explore the origins and impacts of racial health inequities. You will learn from range of clinical specialists and public health professionals, providing you with a breadth of information and guidance as you consider potential careers.
After completing Virtual Rounds or Future Public Health Leaders, you will be eligible to participate in other HCCP programs listed below.
Virtual Rounds
January 2026 - April 2026
Ideal if you’re exploring different medical specialties or this is your first time getting involved with HCCP. This program provides exposure to various disciplines and helps you understand the day-to-day responsibilities of healthcare professionals.
- Work through patient case studies
- Gain insight into multiple medical specialties
- Explore the origins and impacts of racial health inequities, and learn how to make a difference
- Grow foundational knowledge for future clinical experiences
iHuman
You will work in groups with other students to evaluate a patient using Kaplan’s iHUMAN virtual simulation of a real clinical encounter. In preparation for health professional school, you will also learn how to present these cases. To help you practice, you will present to Washington Permanente Medical Group clinicians, who then discuss how similar patients are managed in real-life.
Upcoming Session: July 2026
Shadowing
Designed for individuals who have already completed Virtual Rounds and want hands-on clinical experience with healthcare providers. Option to choose from a variety of healthcare providers and specialties.
- Observe a variety of healthcare professionals in clinical settings
- Gain 20 hours of in-person shadowing
- Enhance your application for medical or PA school
- NOTE: Virtual Rounds is a prerequisite for Shadowing.
Upcoming session: February-March 2026. Applications now open students who have completed the Virtual Rounds prerequisite course.
Mentorship
Mentorship will begin in February 2026 for students planning to apply to medical or PA school during the 2026 cycle. You will be matched with a mentor to support you through your application and help you develop professionally.
- Develop a relationship with a medical professional
- Get support in writing your personal statement, secondaries, etc.
- Networking and professional development
Internship
College seniors or recent college graduates who have successfully completed at least two HCCP programs can apply for a 12-month internship with the HCCP Program. This is a 12-month, paid opportunity to work 10-15 hours a week as a peer leader in our college programs. Interns help improve our programs by contributing strategic thinking and assisting with outreach and student development. When internship applications are open, the link to apply will be updated here.
Alumni
Alumni wishing to connect with peers, please join our Slack channel at https://virtualroundscollege.slack.com