High School Juniors and Seniors Get Hands-on Look at Healthcare Careers

      Topeka, Kan. – High school students will explore careers in healthcare, the fastest-growing job sector in the entire labor market, during the Washburn University Healthcare Junior & Senior Day Thursday, Nov. 2.

    Juniors and seniors in high school are invited to attend the event from 8:30 a.m. to noon on the Washburn campus and tour various classrooms and labs, participate in hands-on activities and listen to faculty presentations. Only students who have registered prior to the event are eligible to attend. 

    Healthcare is an enormous industry in Kansas that continues to grow rapidly. Dr. Zach Frank, dean of Washburn’s School of Applied Studies, says a healthcare worker shortage is presenting a big challenge for employers.

    “According to the Kansas Hospital Association, more than 240,000 Kansans, or nearly 12% of the state’s total workforce, work in healthcare. Unfortunately, workforce shortages continue throughout the state,” Frank said. “This event provides a great opportunity for high school students to gain exposure to the wide variety of careers within the healthcare industry. They get a chance to interact with healthcare professionals and educators to get a deeper understanding of the pathways they can take to be prepared for an exciting career that makes a difference in the lives of others.”

    More than a dozen programs will be featured at the event including diagnostic medical sonography, occupational therapy assistant, physical therapist assistant, respiratory therapy, medical imaging and nursing. Participants are asked to gather at 8:30 a.m. at the main entrance of Petro Allied Health Center before proceeding to various classrooms and labs on campus. The event begins wrapping up at 11:50 a.m. in Lee Arena.

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