Students & Teachers
Montana, and the nation as a whole, is facing a healthcare workforce shortage. We do not have enough healthcare providers to support the growing population, and it is estimated 2.4 million new healthcare jobs will be open by 2014. To address this problem, we need to begin building “the pipeline” -- we need to build a group of students across the nation who plan to enter a healthcare field. Part of the mission of the South Central Montana Area Health Education Center (SCMT AHEC) is to develop programs to address the workforce shortage and to encourage students to pursue careers in healthcare.
Click here for an interesting article regarding the stability of the healthcare industry.
Check out the following programs:
REACH - R.E.A.C.H. is a one-day program, taking place at a local healthcare facility that provides high school students the opportunity to explore the healthcare field through a variety of hands-on stations and activities. Professionals from the sponsoring healthcare facility lead the stations, volunteering their time and talent to mentor students and share their expertise.
Med Start Summer Camp - The South Central Montana AHEC, in conjunction with state-wide AHECs, coordinates a FREE one-week summer camp for high school students entering their junior or senior year who are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. Applicants that meet the following criteria are especially encouraged to apply: Low income, minority, First Generation College bound, and from rural areas.
HOSA – Health Occupation Students of America is a career and technical student organization that allows students an opportunity to explore health careers while building relevant clinical, leadership, and teamwork skills.
College Planning – Resources and links for current high school students to help prepare for post-secondary education, including financial aid assistance, career exploration, and information about Montana colleges and universities.
Post-Secondary – Resources and links for students currently enrolled in health professions education including the WWAMI medical program.
Great Hospital Adventure – A traveling puppet show designed to introduce medical careers and healthy behaviors to K-3rd grade students. Puppet shows are presented to elementary students in conjunction with Montana HOSA chapters.
In-a-Box Curriculum - Self-contained boxes -- covering the Eye, Ear, Brain, Guts, and Bones & Muscles -- available for loan to Montana 4-8th grade educators. Included are lesson plans, station activities, models, and other resources designed to engage students in health and science.
Newsletter: Health Science Connection for K-12 Educators- This monthly newsletter contains resources and information for teachers, administrators, counselors, and students about health science education! Click here to join!
Job Shadowing Opportunities - Any student interested in job shadowing in the South Central region please contact Bergen Morehouse at (406) 683-2790 or bergen@mtha.org
How can your local AHEC help you?
Whether you have specific career questions in mind, are looking for training programs, or want to learn more about healthcare in general, AHEC professionals are willing and able to provide you with the information that you need.
AHECs can help you through the entire process of launching a health career - from the very beginning search for the right school until you actually get a job in the field you love!
One of the most valuable resources we can offer you is experience. We can expose you to various healthcare careers and academic enhancement to better prepare you for a specific health career training program.
Eighty-seven percent of students who participate with AHECs nationally are from underrepresented minority groups or economically disadvantaged communities and range in age from elementary to professionals.
Contact us today so we can provide you with training, resources, and support as you explore your options for becoming a healthcare professional!
