Students from Pinecrest, Union Pines and West Montgomery High schools attended the camp to learn about aspects of health care careers. According to Teresa Sessoms, Human Resources Recruitment Manager, FirstHealth organized the camp to help young people explore the various careers available in health care.
"The camp was a great success, and the students had such a positive experience that we're planning on making this an annual event," says Sessoms.
During the weeklong camp, students shadowed professionals in the fields of Ultrasound, Nursing, Radiation Therapy, Radiology, Lab, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Respiratory Care and Health and Fitness.
As part of the camp, students conducted Internet-based research projects to learn about various careers, educational requirements, scholarships and working environments.
Josh Illman, a rising senior at West Montgomery High, is interested in becoming an Emergency Room physician or working in Emergency Medical Services. Like Saunders, he says the camp helped point him in the right direction.
"I've learned more of exactly what it will take for me to have the career that I want," he says. "I already have a good idea of the types of classes that I need to take to get prepared."
Additional hands-on sessions were offered to students on various topics including first aid, customer service and infection control. Guest speakers discussed the benefits of students being teen volunteers and participating in The Health Academy, a cooperative venture involving Sandhills Community College, Moore County Public Schools and FirstHealth of the Carolinas.
Ashley Hildreth, a rising senior at Union Pines High School, believes the camp was definitely worthwhile. "It's been a good experience in helping me to figure out what I do and don't want to do in the future," she says.
If you would like to learn more about the Health Care Careers Camp at FirstHealth of the Carolinas, call FirstHealth Human Resources at (910) 215-1361.
