Slippery Rock University Introduces Local High School Students to Health Care Careers
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — With nearly 2 million openings per year anticipated in health care roles, Slippery Rock University (SRU) is actively addressing the rising demand for health care workers by engaging local high school students.
On November 25, SRU hosted its inaugural workshop series titled “Healthcare Next Generation” at Patterson Hall, where 32 students from Slippery Rock Area High School participated in hands-on activities spanning various health care disciplines.
The workshop included four 30-minute interactive learning labs facilitated by SRU faculty and students from multiple academic departments. After the sessions, participants enjoyed a lunch on campus followed by a tour of the Allegheny Health Network Grove City Hospital to see health care in action.
SRU College of Health Professions Dean Christine Karshin noted, “Our goal is to build up the next generation of health care workers. SRU serves as a conduit between introducing high school students to the diverse health professions available, particularly the ones represented in our programs. We then connect them with hospital settings to observe professionals in their field.”
Students took part in practical demonstrations, gaining experience by assuming the roles of clients and practitioners. Activities varied from a physical therapy lab focused on wheelchair maneuvering to an occupational therapy escape room that simulated assisting clients with visual impairments.
Rhenna Humphrey, a junior interested in physical therapy, reflected on her experience, stating, “This has shown me more depth of what I would like to do and things that I didn’t know about it. I just want to help people, especially when you see people who can’t even take a step, and you can be the reason that they walk again.”
Jacob Kunsam, another junior at Slippery Rock Area High School, expressed gratitude for the interactive approach, saying, “This has been a fun, interactive experience and everyone has been really nice and able to answer my questions. Getting involved has really opened my eyes to what can go on in things like physical therapy.”
Chris Mooney, a health and wellness teacher at Slippery Rock Area High School, emphasized the workshop’s role in guiding students towards future career decisions. “This gives kids an opportunity to figure out what they want to do. They might find their passion or realize that something isn’t for them, all while seeing a college setting and the collaboration with professors. That’s a neat component.”
The “Healthcare Next Generation” program aims to expand its reach by hosting additional workshops biannually and involving students from other high schools as well as partnering with more health care providers.
For further details about the program, interested parties can contact the College of Health Professions at 724.738.2224 or email chp@sru.edu.
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