BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The latest group of high school students to go through the Health Career Exploration Program offered through St. Luke's University Health Network are wrapping up their stint. The program exposes students to careers in the medical field.
“I always wanted to work in health care, and this program gave me my first opportunity to see the inside workings of a hospital,” said Jayla Marrero of Bethlehem.
The 18-year-old Freedom High School student is in the process of becoming a St. Luke's employee. She will soon be a patient care assistant, on the unit where she trained, while earning a bachelor's degree in nursing. She is enrolled in Northampton Community College to study nursing, then will head off to Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina where she hopes to specialize in OB/GYN or pediatrics.
“This is a dream come true," she said.
- Health Career Exploration Program offered through St. Luke's University Health Network offer student hands-on training
- High school students can learn about the medical field while in school
- Program funded by the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley
The group of students, from both Bethlehem and Allentown high schools, spent about 15 hours per week after their academic obligations exploring health-related career opportunities.
“This was a really good experience for me. I really like helping people.”Samuel Uben, William Allen High School
Samuel Uben, from William Allen High School, said this "confirmed that I want to work in the health care field.” The 18-year-old speaks both English and Spanish, which he used to help patients feel more comfortable.
“This was a really good experience for me,” he said. “I really like helping people.”
Uben aspires to become a certified X-ray technician after completing his bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry and computer science at Kutztown University. He is heading to college on a “full ride” scholarship.
Uben and Marrero were among 25 students in the Health Career Exploration Program funded by the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley. Participants worked in the Health Network’s Allentown, Anderson, Sacred Heart and Bethlehem campuses and were paid for the time they spent.
“Health care is the number-one employer in the Lehigh Valley and it is imperative that we provide work-based opportunities to youth."Nancy Dischinat, executive director, Workforce Board Lehigh Valley
“Health care is the number-one employer in the Lehigh Valley, and it is imperative that we provide work-based opportunities to youth, our potential workforce, to ensure they have an opportunity to preview health care occupations and learn about the enormous opportunities for employment and continuing growth in the health care industry," said Nancy Dischinat, executive director of Workforce Board Lehigh Valley.
The program is a good first step.
"Through the Health Career Exploration Program, St. Luke’s exposes students from diverse backgrounds to careers in the health care industry, helps them gain insight into clinical and non-clinical roles, teaches them job-keeping and job-seeking skills, helps them understand future employment opportunities, and builds confidence in their abilities,” said Victoria Montero, St. Luke’s Network director of Community Workforce Development.
According to St. Luke's, the majority of students who came through the program identify as Hispanic and nearly one quarter as Black/African-American.
“Over the life of the program, 98% of students who participated in the Health Career Exploration Program have graduated from high school," added Montero.
"This is a life changing opportunity for them,” she said. “We love to help them and witness their growth and development.”
The career-readiness program has been in existence for 15 years. Students who are interested in participating must apply and interview for a position in the Health Career Exploration Program through St. Luke’s and meet the eligibility requirements of the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley.
