The Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) is a collaborative partnership between Chadron State College (CSC) and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). Established in 1989, RHOP was created to support rural Nebraska students who aspire to careers in healthcare and are committed to serving rural communities across the state. Through academic support, professional development, and a clear pathway to advanced healthcare training, RHOP represents Nebraska’s investment in the future of rural healthcare—and an opportunity for you to be part of that mission.

RHOP logo

Selected RHOP participants receive a full tuition scholarship to attend CSC, helping reduce financial barriers while they complete their undergraduate studies. Designated alternates who complete the CSC Freshman Scholarship Application receive special consideration for other renewable CSC tuition awards. Students who successfully meet all CSC–UNMC RHOP program standards secure early acceptance into a UNMC healthcare program, providing confidence and clarity as they plan their academic and professional futures.

While enrolled at CSC, RHOP students benefit from early course registration privileges, ensuring timely progress toward degree completion. Participants also receive dedicated faculty advising and mentoring, beginning in their first semester and continuing through their transition to UNMC. RHOP students engage in program-specific professional development activities designed to build the skills, preparation, and confidence needed for success in healthcare education.

Students are part of a collaborative learning community that includes access to CSC’s Math & Science Center of Innovative Learning (COIL), where they learn alongside a motivated cohort of peers. In addition, RHOP students participate in sponsored visits to the UNMC campus, allowing them to explore facilities, meet program leaders, and gain firsthand insight into their future healthcare programs.    

Participating Health Fields:

Program CSC/UNMC Location Spots / Per Year
Dental Hygiene 2 yrs/2 yrs UNMC - Gering 2
Dentistry 4 yrs/4 yrs UNMC - Lincoln 3
Medical Lab Science 3 yrs/1 yr UNMC - Omaha or Kearney 3
Medical Nutrition 4 yrs/1.5 yrs UNMC - Omaha or Kearney 2
Medicine 4 yrs/4 yrs UNMC - Omaha or Kearney 5
Nursing 2 yrs/2 yrs UNMC - Scottsbluff 5
Occupational Therapy 4 yrs/3 yrs UNMC - Omaha or Kearney 2
Pharmacy 3 yrs/4 yrs UNMC - Omaha or Kearney 3
Physical Therapy 4 yrs/3 yrs UNMC - Omaha or Kearney 2
Physician Assistant 4 yrs/28 mos UNMC - Omaha or Kearney 3
Public Health 4 yrs/2 yrs UNMC - Omaha or Kearney 3
Radiography 2 yrs/2 yrs UNMC - Omaha or Kearney 2

CSC RHOP Contact Information

Email: hpoffice@csc.edu