SEARCH CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

POSITION SUMMARY:

The University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center Pathways to Inclusive Health Care program (PIHC) offers an innovative, meaningful gap year for pre-health professions students who are recent college graduates (called Scholars) that exposes them to the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The first program of its kind in the nation, this certificate program seeks to build a pipeline of future health professionals who are interested in providing clinical care and reducing health disparities among the ASD/IDD population.

PIHC Scholrship Curriculum

• Scholars work at their assigned training (practicum) sites 4 days a week over 9 months (September through June).
• A Core Curriculum unifying the practicum experience with didactics—including seminars, observations, and field trips—occurs once a week and is required of all Scholars participating in the PIHC program. The Core Curriculum covers a range of areas, such as: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on IDD/ASD, Health Systems and Health Care Financing, Disability Policy, the Special Education System, Professional Development and Special Topics (e.g., Guardianship, Ethics, Assistive Technology).
• The Registered Behavioral Technician™ training and credential
• A certificate in Disability Policy " 

Major Responsibilities

• Participate "in a 9-month program training as a paraprofessional in practicum sites, such as day habilitation programs, Chapter 766 (special education) schools, and integrated settings
• Attend Attend the weekly seminar series and field trips
  Complete the Registered Behavioral Technician™ (RBT) training and sit for the RBT credentialing exam
• Perform assigned project tasks within specified timeframes

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Level Degree
• Preferably in a health care or a science-related area
• The intention to apply to medical, dental, nurse practitioner, social work, PT/PT/Speech or other graduate level health profession school
• Commitment to improving the status and quality of life of people with disabilities and their families
• Strong academic record
• Must be reliable and able to commit the time necessary to complete the program successfully