Pictured from left are Dr. Mark Heggem, Raelyn Stiner, Brandey Robak, Kalley Duggan, Stephanie Hargrove, Ciera LaPlante, Casey Mindrum, Elyce Nielsen, Jenny Siegford, Bailey Crotty, Nick Blanchette, and instructor Adam Carlson.
On March 6, 10 Aitkin High School (AHS) students met at Riverwood Healthcare Cente 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 11-week program will run from March 6 through mid-May.
Over the next few months, the students will meet with over 33 Riverwood professionals, specialists, technologists and departments to learn, observe and experience many fields of health care.
“The curriculum is designed to introduce students to the wide variety of specialty careers available and to enlighten students about each health care field,” explains Dr. Mark Heggem, Riverwood Chief Medical Officer. “In both 2006 and 2012, Riverwood won a prestigious Minnesota Hospital Association award for the Health Careers program and over 150 students have participated since its inception in 2004.”
“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.”