Health Occupations is a health care training class offered at Paris Community Hospital for high school students interested in pursuing a career in a health care field. After successful completion of the program, the students receive not only high school credit toward graduation, but also eight hours of college credits.

HEALTH OCCUPATIONS TEACHER Ann Welsh evaluates Courtney Vanati on proper hand washing procedures. Courtney is one of 31 students enrolled in the program for the current school year.

The class is part of a 26-school regional consortium which combines students interested in the health care field with education and hands-on training in every facet of a medical facility. Area high schools identify these students as good candidates who express interest, and have good attendance and grades.

Students enrolled at Paris Community Hospital this year are from Marshall, Martinsville, Paris and Casey-Westfield high schools. Two other participating sites include Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital in Mattoon and St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham.

“Participating high schools select students according to established criteria,” Welsh explained. “Their interests range from becoming Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) to doctors, and everything in between, including nurses, physical therapists and pharmacists – anything related to the health care field.”

LIZ PRICE DESIGNS a poster about chicken pox as a project in the Health Occupations class at Paris Community Hospital. The class explores health care careers and earns dual credit in high school and college for the participants.

In the course, students get exposure to all aspects of health care, including direct patient care and indirect services. The experience prepares them to sit for the state CNA exam through the state and to become employed immediately when certified.

“After meeting CNA requirements, some of our students get jobs working at nursing homes to help pay for their continued college expenses,” she noted, another advantage for the students.

Segments of the class include theory and history of health care, anatomy and physiology, ethical and legal responsibilities, and hands-on experiences. Areas of exploration also include emergency room, hospital administration, surgery, therapy, and much more.

Near the end of the class, students select five sites and apply to job shadow at each site for a week, then select one of the five and continue there for a more intensive four-week internship. Previous internships have included veterinarian and dental offices, neonatal intensive care units, and Riley’s Children’s Hospital. Students make the arrangements for these experiences as if they were applying for a job.

“There is another ‘win’ for the program,” said Welsh. “The staff members where these students work benefit from their help.”

She complimented Paris Community Hospital on its participation in the program and expressed appreciation for the hospital’s commitment.

“The hospital has done everything to make the students feel welcome, and in the long run, that fosters good relations in every way. It is a really neat opportunity, and we are lucky to have it here,” she said.

The commitment away from the high school is two hours a day, from August through May. A typical day begins at 7:30 a.m. when students meet for two hours with Welsh. Then, they return to their high schools for other classes required for graduation. Some of the students arrive at the hospital by bus, and others drive.

After studying in the classroom at PCH for about six weeks, students then begin clinical rotations on the patient floors. Students assist patients with bathing and oral hygiene, make beds, and also gain nursing home experience.

LATASHA GARNER AND Sam Chubb collaborate on a project about “shingles” for the Health Occupations class at Paris Community Hospital. Resources included an internet search on the subject.

“I share my experiences and give them an idea of what their job is like in reality so that they can make educated decisions about their future,” Welsh said.

The health occupations class is popular among students. Last year, 23 sat for the CNA exam, and 100 percent of those passed it, Welsh pointed out. The majority of them pursue health care careers in college. From last year’s class, five are currently employed in local nursing homes as CNAs, and several are pursuing careers in medicine.

Although there is a fee for the class, the majority of high schools pay part or all of the fee, Welsh said. Students should contact guidance counselors for more information.
“Students who are interested should discuss the possibilities with their guidance counselors,” she urged. “Students should make their interest known the year before they want to participate.” The class is promoted in the spring when current students speak to interested students at the high school level.

“We usually know by spring what the next school year will look like in terms of enrollment, and orientation begins in April,” Welsh said.

After nine months of experience, students usually know whether the health care field is right for them, she added.

“It is fun to watch the students grow in knowledge and experience through the year,” Welsh added. “This class provides career exploration, gives them an advantage, and helps them become familiar with the language and have first-hand experience. And when it’s all over, it’s okay to decide they want to do something different or unexpected.”