AHS Health Careers students, seated from left, are Brittney Ince, Emily Hanson, Madi Benz, and Adam Burke; standing from left are Sabrien Anliker, Cassie Tetrick, Adam Dunbar, Drew Burke, Adam Carlson, Reba Pierce and Mikaela Kliewer.
On March 14, 11 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 healthcare before being accepted into the program. This year’s 11-week program will run from March 14 through May 17.
“The curriculum is designed to introduce students to the wide variety of health field specialties available and to enlighten students about each specialty’s uniqueness, explains Janet Lindgren, Education coordinator for Riverwood. “In 2005, Riverwood won a prestigious Minnesota Hospital Association award for Health Careers and we have had over 140 students go through the program.”
Janet Lindgren, Education coordinator; Kristine Layne, chief nursing officer; and Laura Eisenbraun, Surgical Services manager, welcomed the students and advised them what to expect.
“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. “They will hear from a wide range of medical professionals as well as have an opportunity to observe a surgical procedure and other hospital services.”
This year—the ninth year for Health Careers—more than 30 exploration experiences have been scheduled with Riverwood professionals and/or departments.