Hands-on experience is a top benefit of the new program at a South Carolina high school that seeks to guide students toward medical careers, according to a published report.
The C.A. Johnson Health Sciences Magnet in Columbia involves the participation of colleges, universities, two medical centers, the United Way and additional groups, Fox reports. Students who are interested will have increased exposure to internships, research opportunities and mentors to provide them guidance.
The program encourages the preparation of students with interest in the multitude of healthcare career paths available to students, such as nursing jobs.
This past Monday, partners, students and school administrators extolled the qualities of the program at a signing ceremony. The program also will include courses that suffice for dual credit with colleges.
The program at the South Carolina high school is available to students who meet requirements yet students within the school's attendance zone are guaranteed entry.
During the 10-year period leading up to 2018, as many as 3.2 million healthcare careers will be created in the U.S., according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A driver of the industry's job creation is the aging of the elderly population.