Exploring Careers in Health – Summer Institute

Each summer, Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Dignity Health, Nevada County Superintendent of Schools, and Sierra College sponsor a program to give students entering grades 9-12 an opportunity to contemplate a career in the health care field. 

Please note – Program will not be hosted 2022-23 school year. Resuming 2023-24 school year.

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 Sharyn Turner, Coordinator of School Health “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 questionnaire that lists the occupations they are most interested in. One day was spent at Sierra College, Rocklin at the Allied Health Center and nursing clinical lab spending time with students with various career goals, such as certified nursing assistants, nutritionists and registered nurses.  They also spend time at lunch with various representatives and specialties in nursing and medicine.

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 years class will be for students in Nevada County, CA, enrolling in grades 9-12 for the 2023-2024 school year. 
• 25 applicants will be chosen to attend at no cost. 

If you are interested in attending the Summer 2023-24 class, please add your name to the interest list below and download an application:

Health Careers Interest Form

For more information please contact Olivia Carson

NCSOS:  ocarson@nevco.org or 530-478-6400 ext. 2008.