Health Careers Exploring
Health Career Exploring
What is Health Career Exploring? Health Career Exploring is a program for
high school students who want to learn more about specific health careers and
observe the workplace of various healthcare professionals. Students will meet
one evening a month October through May in cooperating local hospitals.
Students will tour various hospital areas, talk with healthcare providers,
learn about salary levels, job outlook and educational preparation for a
variety of health professions. They can attempt various procedures using
demonstration models to perform such activities as manipulating laparoscopic
surgical instruments, starting IV's, giving injections, and performing
laboratory tests.
The program, which began in 2003, usually accepts 50-60 students per year.
Over 150 students have completed the Health Career Exploring program, and many
are continuing their education to become a health care professional.
Who is eligible to participate? Any area student in grades 10, 11, or 12 may
participate in the program. Students are responsible for transportation to and
from the meetings at St. Elizabeth Hospitals in Edgewood, Florence, or Grant
County.
Who sponsors "Health Career Exploring"? The North Central AHEC has partnered
with St. Elizabeth Hospital in Edgewood, Florence and Grant County to provide
the Health Career Exploring program. Health Career Exploring is a national
program associated with the Boy Scouts of America.
What careers will be highlighted during the program? A wide variety of health
careers will be examined, including some or all of the following:
Certified nurse aide Physician
Emergency medicine physician Physician assistant
EMT/paramedic Radiologist
Medical technologist Registered nurse
Nuclear medicine technologist Respiratory therapist
Occupational therapist Speech pathologist
Pathologist Sonographer
Pharmacist Surgeon
Physical therapist Surgical technologist
Physical therapy assistant X-ray technologist
Are there other program requirements? Students are required to show proof of a
negative TB skin test and proof of up-to-date immunizations, attend an
orientation session, and commit to attend each monthly meeting during the
academic year.
What about cost? The program costs $35 per student to cover insurance and
related activity fees for the program. Please note: the NC AHEC offers
scholarships for students as needed. Please discuss with the program
coordinator.
When does the next Explorer program begin? The program begins in October of
each year. Information may be obtained from school counselors or by
contacting:
Rose Mueller
Clinical Coordinator
North Central AHEC
rose.mueller@kctcs.edu
859-442-1194
http://www.nckyahec.org/index.asp?page=health_career_explorer