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For high school students, figuring out a career path can be an exciting time. However, without access to educational resources and support, it can be a challenging endeavor. That’s why Pվ��Ƶ hosts an annual Health Sciences Career Day for High School Students. 

On February 28 and March 1, nearly 1,000 students total from Arizona and Illinois arrived on the Pվ��Ƶ Glendale and Downers Grove Campuses to participate in this free, hands-on program to give them more insight on the many opportunities available in the healthcare field, including where to find resources, admissions tips, how to choose a specific healthcare career, and research and volunteering opportunities.

Across both campuses, the selected classes got an in-depth look at the following careers: osteopathic medicine, dental medicine, optometry, veterinary medicine, nurse anesthesia, graduate nursing, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, physical therapy, cardiovascular science, physician assistant studies, psychology, podiatric medicine, and pharmacy. MWU faculty and students demonstrated what a day in their career is like by having students participate in related activities, such as filling a prescription and working with tools a physical therapist uses in the lab. Students also got to try their hand at using real-life medical equipment, such as an optometric slit lamp biomicroscope, a calf birthing simulator, and tools used to take vital signs, such as an otoscope, stethoscope, and reflex hammer.

One student from the College of Dental Medicine-Illinois (CDMI) got to share a unique experience with her daughter, a senior at a local high school.  “It makes me feel really honored to be here today because my mom is a huge inspiration to me. She's been somebody I've always looked up to, especially in recent years. So being here and getting this hands-on learning is just amazing. And I get to share it with my mom,” Medina Music said.

The ability for high school students to connect with passionate, caring faculty and students is crucial to nurturing their curiosity about careers in healthcare.

“When I was in high school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do, and it would have been very helpful to have had an experience like this. It’s important for students to see all the different opportunities available to them in healthcare,” said Minoo Yar (SLP ’24).