The 21st Century Health Careers Program is designed to introduce high school juniors and seniors to potential career paths in the health care industry. The program was created as a partnership between Battle Creek Health System, Kellogg Community College, and the Calhoun Area Career Center.
Students will receive an introduction to a variety of health career skills including: clinical skills, leadership skills, medical ethics, human anatomy, human physiology, foundations of interpersonal communication, medical terminology, emergency procedures, and many more.
During the two years in the program, students will take three Kellogg Community College classes, for a potential total of 11 credits.
After basic clinical skills are introduced, students spend a portion of each month in a hospital or other medical setting. Students become part of an interesting and challenging team, learning new skills with professionals in the medical field. Rotations are a direct extension of the school day and the educational experience.
Students are encouraged to share within their team, seek information from others, and positively present their knowledge. Student teams will also plan and conduct presentations and share with their peers. Students are expected to complete all assignments in a timely manner and must demonstrate competency before they are allowed patient contact.
Criteria for Program Admittance:
The 21st Century Health Careers is an application program. Applicants are selected for admission based on the following criteria: Teacher and counselor recommendations, completion of the COMPASS Assessment Test (a computer adaptive placement test that measures skills in reading) through Kellogg Community College, academic achievement as indicated by grades, attendance, student essays, and interviews
Direct College Credit:
Up to 11 credits may be earned at Kellogg Community College during the two year program in Communications and Biology.
National and State Standards:
The 21st Century Health Careers Program incorporates the National and State of Michigan Health Care Skills Standards across the curriculum.
Content Area:
Successful students will demonstrate clinical skills mastery and completion of:
• CPR and First Aid certification
• Develop and understand work expectations and ethics
• Participate in ongoing career exploration
• Develop an academic foundation for post-secondary
• Develop techniques to make a successful transition from high school to college
• Demonstrate competence in leadership, teamwork,
• Acquire skills necessary for obtaining employment and making career decisions
• Recognize the importance of quality healthcare to society
• Contribute time and energy to community service and
• Develop an awareness and sensitivity for cultural diversity
• Practice ethical decision making skills
Career Opportunities:
Upon completion of our program, students typically pursue educational majors in the following areas:
• Nursing
• Pre-Medicine
• Veterinarian
• Physicians Assistant • Pharmacy
• Physical Therapy
• Dentistry
• Paramedic/EMT
Helpful Skills:
A successful student in this program will exhibit:
• High academic skills
• Communication skills
• Teamwork skills
• Strong science aptitude
• Ability to problem solve and think creatively
• Desire to work with people
• Sound presentation skills
• Compassion and empathy
• Proficient computer skills
• Flexibility
• Professionalism
• Good attendance record
Student Organizations:
HOSA is a national student organization exclusively for secondary and post secondary students enrolled in Health Science and Technology Education Programs. The mission of HOSA is to enhance the delivery of compassionate, quality, healthcare by providing opportunities for knowledge, skills and leadership development of all health science technology education students, therefore, helping students to meet the needs of the healthcare community.
Registered Nurse with a Bachelor in Science of Nursing degree from the University of Michigan; Interim Occupational Certificate from Western Michigan University.
career skills including: clinical skills, leadership skills, medical ethics, human anatomy, human physiology, foundations of interpersonal communication, medical terminology, emergency procedures, and many more.
challenging team, learning new skills with professionals in the medical field. Rotations are a direct extension of the school day and the educational experience.