(Press release) — 23 CNMI junior high school students had the opportunity to participate in a two-week summer camp focusing on an introduction to the healthcare industry and its many career paths in the Commonwealth.
The event was hosted by the Area Health Education Center or AHEC at Northern Marianas College.
Students gained hands-on experience in CPR/first aid training, mental health awareness, nutrition and health, and were introduced to high-demand medical career paths, such as nursing , anesthetist, dietitian-nutritionist, dental hygienist, respiratory therapist, radiology technicians, phlebotomists, hemodialysis technicians, physiotherapists, medical laboratory and pharmacy technicians, mental health counselors and emergency medical technicians, for to name a few.
Activities and presentations have been designed to increase students’ interest and knowledge of these professions.
“Research shows that reaching middle and early high school students creates an impressive learning experience that can be life changing,” said Les Ogumoro-Uludong, program manager for NMC-AHEC. “With the growing demand for certified healthcare employees, we are looking to connect with our young people as young as junior high so they are aware of the career paths available to them at NMC. .”
With support from community partners including 4H Marianas, Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation, Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Community Guidance Center-Systems of Care, Seventh-day Adventists, 500 Sails, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Eucon Medical Health Services, Marianas Health Services and many more, participating teens met professionals in a range of health care careers, learned job responsibilities, and the skills and qualifications required for the profession.
To wrap up the camp, students grouped together based on their healthcare career choices, researched more, and presented their findings to their peers.
“Our goal was for this group of students to leave with a potential interest in a health profession, and with the help of our community partners, we achieved that goal,” Ogumoro-Uludong said.
For more information, contact Les Ogumoro-Uludong at (670) 237-6810 or email [email protected]
