High school students explore pathways into healthcare careers
Rockhampton high school students experienced what a day in the life of a healthcare professional with the launch of Mater Education's High School Health Adventure program last week.
Held over two days, Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton hosted 18 students to help encourage them to consider careers in healthcare, while helping to build a future workforce equipped to meet the growing demand for regional healthcare workers.
Program Lead and Registered Nurse Peta Sullivan said High School Health Adventure provides an engaging introduction to careers in medicine, nursing, midwifery and allied health.
“Participants get to dress up in scrubs and participate in simulation activities in a real hospital environment, such as suturing and dressing wounds, performing CPR, practising surgical skills and more,” Ms Sullivan said.
“They also hear directly from Mater clinicians and ask questions about what it's like working in healthcare.”
For Tre Noyes, the program helped turn an interest in healthcare into a clearer career goal.
“I really want to go into physiotherapy now, maybe even speech pathology after talking to the speech pathologist.” Tre said.
Since launching in 2019, the program has expanded to be delivered to more than 2,500 students across Brisbane, Bundaberg, Redland, Springfield, Townsville and now Rockhampton.
Director of Education and Training Toni-Maree Henaway said High School Health Adventure helps local students explore healthcare careers while creating pathways to further study.
“High School Health Adventure gives local students a behind-the-scenes look at hospital life and we hope the program sparks a lifelong interest in a healthcare career,” Ms Henaway said.
“With the need for a sustainable healthcare workforce in regional areas like Rockhampton, Mater Education is excited to offer these experiences which give locals greater access to healthcare career pathways and opportunities,” she said.
Students and schools interested in learning more about High School Health Adventure and future program opportunities can find out more here.
