This document summarizes the requirements and guidelines for the Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP). This program is authorized by Section 787 of the Public Health Service Act to make grants to and contracts with postsecondary institutions to carry out programs which assist individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to enter and graduate from health and allied health profession schools. Eligible institutions include schools of allopathic medicine, osteopathic medicine, public health, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, pharmacy, allied health, chiropractic and podiatric medicine, and public and nonprofit private schools that offer graduate programs in clinical psychology. Of the funds appropriated, 20% must be obligated for stipends to disadvantaged individuals of exceptional financial need, 10% for community-based programs, and 70% for grants or contracts to institutions of higher education. This document describes eligible applicants, eligible professions, eligible student participants, definitions, HCOP purposes, funding priorities and preferences, administration, deadlines, grant start dates, review process and criteria, types of applications, program director/project director responsibilities, use of grant funds, indirect costs, method of payment, reports, audits, and regulations. (JDD)