Each Fall, Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Dignity Health, Nevada County Superintendent of Schools, and Yuba College sponsor a program to give students entering grades 9-12 an opportunity to contemplate a career in the health care field.
The 25 high school students who attend this FREE program learn about a wide range of careers in the medical field. “They get to do a lot, including hands on activities and receive CPR/First Aid Certification,” says Stephanie Raczkowski, Health Services Coordinator, “It’s a great way to be exposed to multiple career options in the Health Services field.”
Having direct exposure to health care professionals and being given the opportunity to observe them in their work environment assists students in setting up his/her vocational goal. Each year’s program is a little different. The course agenda is adjusted to the required student application that considers the occupations they are most interested in. Time is spent at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, Yuba College, Beale AFB and Sierra College Fire Training Center. Students explore diagnostic, technical, informatics, therapeutic patient care and support services professions. Students also have direct contact with physicians, nurses, EMTs, firefighters, flight medics and medical students.
The highlight of the week is the arrival of CALSTAR air ambulance on the roof of Sierra Nevada Memorial Dignity Health Hospital. Students are always thrilled to learn about being a paramedic, pilot, and flight nurse and photos of them sitting in a helicopter are all over social media.
Class Description: Explore various health career opportunities in the clinical and community health setting. Envision your future as a health care provider and learn the prescription for a health care pathway and academic requirements needed to succeed. Students will receive many experiences such as CPR and First Aid certification, trauma simulation and emergency services, direct exposure to health care professionals from outside the clinical setting such as dentist, optometry, and physical therapy, and more. View Health Careers Institute flyer.
- This year’s class will be for students in Nevada County, CA, enrolling in grades 9-12 for the 2026-2027 school year.
- 25 applicants will be chosen to attend at no cost.
Requirements:
- Must attend a high school in Nevada County, CA
- Recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor
- Up-to-date school immunization records submitted with application
- Students must attend all 4-days to receive CPR and Participation Certification
If you are interested in attending the Fall 2026-27 class, please add your name to the interest list below and download an application:
Health Careers Interest Form
Please complete the form below to express your interest in attending the 2026 Health Careers Fall Institute.
For more information, please contact Olivia Carson
NCSOS: ocarson@nevco.org or 530-478-6400 ext. 2008.
Last Updated on June 5, 2026 by Carol White