Education
To increase exposure to healthcare fields allowing students to better transition into higher education and future job opportunities.
What is Education?
In order to create a greater healthcare workforce, we need to increase education around healthcare careers. One tool HealthForce uses is the Junior Medical Academy. The Junior Medical Academy is a program HealthForce created that teaches students about the world of healthcare. Many students believe you have to be a doctor or a nurse in order to be in healthcare, but there is so much more! Bringing the Junior Medical Academy into elementary, middle, and high schools will teach students various skills that healthcare workers use (suturing, CPR, vital signs, etc.) as well as highlighting healthcare careers. This will create a stronger workforce as students are more engaged at an earlier age in healthcare.
OBJECTIVES
- To increase exposure to healthcare fields allowing students to better transition into higher education and future job opportunities
- To increase exposure to STEM fields
- To increase the number of local students participating in Healthcare Pathway programs and transitioning into post secondary programs
- To streamline the opportunity for students to explore careers within the healthcare field
- To increase healthcare leadership experiences
HealthForce Scholars
Attention aspiring healthcare professionals! HealthForce Scholars is here to support your dreams and make a difference in rural communities. Join us as we pave the way for a brighter future in healthcare. Apply now and seize this chance to make an impact!
Elementary (K-6)
At the elementary level, the Junior Medical Academy program is a hands-on approach to learning about the medical field. There should be a balance between the “Learn”, “See”, and “Do” portions of each lesson. Students need to be introduced to the subject and shown how to do skills but also need the opportunity to do it themselves. Valuable learning experiences can be gained through hands-on activities and being able to manipulate the models and tools.
Middle School (7-8)
Next, at middle schools, the Junior Medical Academy program is designed to introduce students to the world of healthcare early in their education. This allows students the opportunity to explore multiple disciplines and medical fields that they might not have otherwise known about. Students will be more knowledgeable of the different educational routes as they start preparing for their transition to high school.
High School (9-12)
Finally, at high school, the Junior Medical Academy program is a unique career exploration program that provides a real hands-on connection between classroom education and real-world career experiences. The HealthForce Junior Medical Academy program will prepare students to enhance their knowledge, confidence, and motivation towards a healthcare career. Students will gain invaluable experiences which should be included in college, job, and scholarship applications. Program participants will develop mentoring relationships with professionals from various career fields in healthcare. Students will learn many social and life skills such as working in teams, effective communication, and leadership skills.