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 North Central Montana Area Health Education Center is to develop programs to address the workforce shortage and to encourage students to pursue careers in healthcare.
North Central AHEC offers 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 and middle 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 North 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 and other local community organizations, in cluding FCCLA, 4-H, etc. If you would like to present or host a Great Hospital Adventure for your group or organization, click here to email us.
In-a-Box Curriculum- Self-contained boxes -- covering the Eye, Ear, Brain, Guts, and Bones & Muscles -- available free to Montana educators for loan! These boxes can be adapted for any grade level, however it was originally developed for grades 4-8. Included are lesson plans, station activities, models, and other resources designed to engage students in health and science. To reserve, click here! Once utilized, it is very helpful for us to know how these boxes have impacted your students. Please be sure to fill out our feedback form, located here.
Job Shadowing Opportuntites - Many graduate level health career programs requrie job shadowing hours. Job shadowing is an excellent way to discover if a specific healthcare career is right for you. If you are interested in job shadowing opportunties in North Central Montana, please contact your NC AHEC Program Coordinator.
Public Health PSA- Open to groups of students in the NC region, who wish to explore public health careers and also are interested in helping their rural community address a special health concern. Students will interview with local healthcare professionals, investigate health options to address in their community and create a 60-90 second PSA addressing this pertinent health concern in their area. Applications and submissions are due March 21, 2012. Winning teams will be awarded a digital, LED microscope and an accompanying 100 piece slide set. For more information or if you have further questions, contact Jody Haines. Program information and applications are here.
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!
How can your regional AHEC office 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 future healthcare professional!
