Seated from left are: Amanda Kuhlmann, Kaley Considine, Kyle Lynn, Seth Weinand and Rachel Curtiss; standing from left are: Mallory Milbradt, Amber Schmaltz, Emma Plagge, Taylor Bright, Carrley Robak, Adam Carlson, Mariah Lenox, Grant Espeseth, Emily Taylor and Emma Anderson.
On January 21, 14 Aitkin High School (AHS) students met at Riverwood Healthcare Center for an orientation to the Health Career Exploration curriculum, a joint partnership between Riverwood Healthcare Center and Aitkin High School. AHS juniors and seniors who participate in the program learn firsthand what career opportunities await them in the healthcare field.
Students must apply and acknowledge an interest in health care before being accepted into the program. This year’s 8-week program will run from late January through mid-March.
Over the next few months, the students will meet with 36 Riverwood professionals, specialists, technologists and departments to learn, observe and experience many fields of health care.
“This program continues to offer our students a valuable opportunity to explore health careers,” says Adam Carlson, AHS physical education and health instructor and instructor for the Health Careers curriculum. “We appreciate the time and effort Riverwood’s medical professionals will spend educating the students as well as giving them an opportunity to observe a surgical procedure and other hospital services. Students who have this course experience are better equipped to make a decision about their professional future.”
Students in this year’s class have expressed an interest in these health care fields: family medicine physician, nursing, administration/human resources, surgery, rehabilitation, neonatal care, and pediatrics.
Chief Nursing Officer Kristine Layne told the students that the employment forecast for healthcare – especially in nursing – is high and that diversity within this field is wide-ranging. Human Resource Director Cindi Hills mentioned this is the 11th year Riverwood and Aitkin Schools have partnered to offer this program, and with this year’s enrollment, about 200 students have participated. Many of these students have gone on to health care job or intern experiences and/or employment at Riverwood.
PHOTO CAPTION Seated from left are: Amanda Kuhlmann, Kaley Considine, Kyle Lynn, Seth Weinand and Rachel Curtiss; standing from left are: Mallory Milbradt, Amber Schmaltz, Emma Plagge, Taylor Bright, Carrley Robak, Adam Carlson, Mariah Lenox, Grant Espeseth, Emily Taylor and Emma Anderson.