Opportunities
Resources
Upcoming Events
What is an Opportunity?
The Opportunities listed below give middle, high school and college-level students a hands-on experience as a health care professional. Pathways take place at colleges, high schools, hospitals, career and technical centers near you. Each Pathway may be geared towards specific ages, grades or schools.
Opportunities in your Region:
Northern Vermont AHEC Pathways
SUMMER
Northern Vermont MedQuest
For Grade: 10
Description: Northern Vermont MedQuest is a 6-day, 5-night residential program held each summer on the campuses of Johnson State College and the University of Vermont. During MedQuest, students are exposed to a variety of health care careers through experiential and classroom learning. Opportunities include tours of four regional hospitals, job-shadowing health care professionals, multiple clinical medical modules, certification in CPR/AED and team building activities.
Contact: Northern Vermont AHEC; Lanie Billings 802-748-2506 lbillings@nvtahec.org
ACADEMIC YEAR
HERO
For Grades: 9-12
The Vermont Health Education Resource Opportunity (HERO) program provides year-round extracurricular science enrichment and career exploration for high school students interested in health care and health science. Participants come together by grade level in spring and fall for hands-on science events that provide a deep dive into topics related to the human body in health and disease. Through the academic year, participants connect with mentors for career guidance and exploration, and for help with college and career pathway planning. HERO includes events for participants’ parents and families about post-secondary planning, too. Participants finishing their 10th grade year can choose to attend a summer enrichment program in either New Hampshire, Maine or Vermont at no cost as part of the HERO program.
Contact: Northern Vermont AHEC; Lanie Billings 802-748-2506 lbillings@nvtahec.org
MedTrek
For grades: 5-8 (participant grade level is location dependent)
MedTrek is a 10-week afterschool health science careers exploration program for middle school aged youth. Undergraduates in health and science majors provide mentorship and teaching to support youth in hands-on activities. The program features field trips in the local community and presentations by practicing health professionals. Each session features tools and technology that make work in health care exciting, and stories to inspire youth to consider a future health care career.
Contact: Northern Vermont AHEC; Lanie Billings 802-748-2506 lbillings@nvtahec.org
Kingdom Career Connect
For Grade: 8
Kingdom Career Connect is an interactive career event at Northern Vermont University sponsored in partnership by the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, and the Northern Vermont AHEC. It is a unique opportunity for 8th grade students to have hands-on exploration of careers in advanced manufacturing, entrepreneurship, agriculture and health care.
Contact: Northern Vermont AHEC, Northern Vermont University
CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTERS
Burlington Technical Center
Health Sciences Academy
A vigorous two-year college preparatory program that meets for just over two hours per day, five days per week. The curriculum and instruction prepares students to pursue further education towards a career in either the medical or sports sciences areas.
The first year curriculum includes the study of Anatomy & Physiology (the structure and function of the human body) with integrated Medical Terminology. Second semester, Human Growth and Development (exploring physical, cognitive and social-emotional development through the life span) is added to the curriculum.
In the second year the curriculum also includes an in-depth study of nutrition, including nutritional considerations for the athlete. Students are placed in shadow experiences in their identified area of interest, allowing them to acquire valuable observational experience as well as the chance to interact with medical professionals.
Human Services
Demand is great for trained human services professionals: counselors, social workers, rehabilitation fields, hospitals, geriatric service and care fields, and all avenues of education and educational support are just a few of the career possibilities. There are also excellent opportunities here for students who want to explore running their own business. The program includes running a fully functional pre-school. Students learn foundational educational techniques and skill training, and explore learning through challenging work in cognitive development psychology.
Center for Technology, Essex
- Childhood Education and Human Services
- Dental Assisting
- Health Informatics
River bend Career and Technical Center, Oxbow High School, Bradford
For Grades: 10 11 12
Emergency Services Program
Students in this one-year program learn the basics of life support and emergency interventions, may earn up to 5 college credits and may be eligible to take the national certification exam. Students explore a variety of health care careers and are encouraged to join the local rescue squad.
Health Science Technology Program
This two-year college preparatory program is experiential and exposes students to health-related careers from nursing to veterinary assistant. Students may earn up to 6 college credits per year. Students will learn about Human Growth & Development, Medical Terminology, Psychology, and Nutrition and have an opportunity to participate in an internship at area hospitals, nursing homes, veterinary hospitals, or doctors’ offices. LNA licensure is obtainable for students completing the program.
Contact: Riverbend Career and Technical Center
North Country Career Center, North Country Union High School, Newport
For Grades: 11 12
Health Careers I
This course includes units on anatomy and physiology, human growth and development, infection control, legal responsibilities, medical terminology, job safety, employability skills, and much more related to the health care industry. A clinical component will be included to provide practical experience in many health care areas including (but not limited to) nursing, physical therapy, radiology, respiratory therapy, dental care, nutrition, surgical services, veterinary science and other related areas.
Health Careers II
Students have a choice of two tracks: Licensed Nursing Assistant or Human Growth & Development. Dual enrollment credit is available for Medical Terminology and either Human Biology or Human Growth and Development.
Students are encouraged to participate in SkillsUSA leadership and skills development programs.
Contact: North Country Career Center
Green Mountain Technology and Career Center, Lamoille Union High School, Hyde Park
For Grades: 11 12
Allied Health
Careers in Allied Health are among the fastest growing areas of employment today. Students who successfully complete this program meet the entry-level requirements for a number of careers in the health services and human services fields.
All students cover health skills including infection control, nutrition, vital signs, and first response emergency medical care. When licensing or certification is available, students will complete the required studies and practical experience necessary to meet licensing exam requirements. Classroom training takes place at the technical center. Clinical experiences take place at various locations throughout Lamoille and Caledonia county communities.
- Dual Enrollment with Central Maine Community College
- Medical Terminology (3 credits)
- Certifications:
- Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA)
- Emergency Medical Responder
- Health Care Provider CPR and First Aid
- Personal Care Attendant
- Prerequisites: 10 credits (2 each in Language Arts, Science, Math (Algebra I required), Social Studies, Elective)
Contact:Green Mountain Technology and Career Center
Lyndon Institute, Lyndon Center
For Grades: 11 12
Allied Health – leading to Licensed Nursing Assistant certification
This course provides students the opportunity to work with the older adult population within the community. Students will be provided with the classroom instruction, clinical experience, and medical terminology necessary to take the Vermont Board of Nursing Exam in mid-January. Students who complete this course earn 1 Science credit toward graduation.
Adult Education – Licensed Nursing Assistant
LNAs provide basic nursing care in assisting others with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, toileting and obtaining vital signs as well as many other tasks. LNAs may work in Long Term Care facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, schools, and other health care settings. The Lyndon Institute Adult Continuing Education LNA program partners with area agencies for the clinical training portion of the class, and many students are offered LNA positions from these facilities before the class is complete.
Contact: Lyndon Institute
Randolph Technical Career Center, Randolph Union High School, Randolph
For Grades: 11 12
Technical Health Careers
The Technical Health Careers program includes coursework on such topics as anatomy and physiology, first aid and advanced life support, patient care and communication, medical terminology, and the safe, competent development and delivery of fundamental care competencies.
- Dual Enrollment with River Valley Community College
- Medical Terminology (3 credits)
- Certifications
- Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA)
- First Aid and CPR
Education Training
The Education Training program provides students with the basic skills and competencies needed to pursue careers in education, childcare, and social services. Through internships at local elementary schools, daycare centers, and eldercare facilities, students develop skills in effective communication, working as a team member, and taking directions from supervisors. The core areas of study include professionalism and program management, teaching and learning, healthy and safe environments, human growth and development, families and community, and career exploration and preparation. Graduates are prepared to enter a two- or four-year college program, as well as a variety of entry-level positions in the teaching and human services fields.
Contact: Randolph Technical Career Center
Department of Career and Technical Education at St. Johnsbury Academy, St. Johnsbury
For Grades: 10 11 12
Human Services
The St. Johnsbury Academy Department of Career and Technical Education provides educational opportunities covering industry-specific skill training and credentialing, general employability skills, academic and career skill integration, and personal enrichment. The department prepares its students for current and future educational and workplace opportunities through hands-on learning, authentic workplace experiences, and classroom instruction.
Contact: St. Johnsbury Academy Department of Career and Technical Education
Central Vermont Career Center, Barre
For Grades: 11 12
Emergency Services
Students in Emergency Services are provided with the basic instruction required for entry-level work or post-secondary training in the fields of Emergency Medical Services and Fire Science. Students will learn to demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking skills to analyze, synthesize and evaluate situations independently and in teams. They will apply emergency service response skills to manage an incident scene as a First Responder. They will make informed, healthy choices that positively affect the health, safety and well-being of themselves and others.
Initial exploration of Emergency Services will include classroom work (lecture, readings, and independent study projects) and visits with local experts in the field. Students will participate in a “ride along” with local first responders and fire departments.
- Dual Enrollment with Vermont Technical College
- Emergency Medical Technician 101
- Fire Science 101
- Certifications
-
- CPR/AED Certification – American Heart Association
- Healthcare Basic Life Support
- Emergency Medical Technician – National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
Human Services Program
The Human Services Program prepares students for employment in careers that relate to families and human needs including education, counseling, mental health services, family and financial planning, and care services. Students participating in this program will develop academic foundations, problem-solving skills, workplace skills, citizenship, ethics, and leadership training.
- Dual Enrollment with Community College of Vermont – two of the following courses:
- Workplace Communication in Early Childhood Education (4 credits)
- Infant/Toddler Development (3 credits)
- Introduction to Early Childhood Education (3 credits)
- Human Growth and Development (3 credits)
- Certifications
- Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification
- Community First Aid (CFA-ARC) Certification
- CPR, Child, Infant, and Adult (CPR-ARC) Certification
Medical Professions Program
The Medical Professions program introduces students to a variety of health occupations including nursing, emergency services, home health care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, surgical services, dental assisting, radiology, cardiology, and acute care experiences. Students will learn the foundational skills required in specific health occupations and will prepare for college coursework in a variety of medical fields. Students use state of the art 3D anatomy technology in the classroom to enhance the learning of the human body and body systems. We are the first school in Vermont to use this new technology.
Through classroom instruction and clinical shadowing experiences students will learn functions and educational requirements of various health care team members, specific job skills common to patient care, knowledge of the human body and body systems, math skills used by today’s health care practitioners, medical terminology and communication skills in healthcare settings , and advanced health career exploration through clinical internship in acute care facilities, medical offices and clinics. Upon successful completion, students will have acquired a solid foundation preparing them to pursue post-secondary education in a wide range of medical professions/health care fields.
- – Dual Enrollment with Community College of Vermont (contingent upon Accuplacer scores)
- Human Biology (3 credits)
- – CPR/AED Certification- American Heart Association
- – First Aid Certification- American Heart Association
- – OSHA 10 Certification
- – Blood Borne Pathogen Certification- American Red Cross
Contact: Central Vermont Career Center
Canaan Career Center, Canaan School, Canaan
For Grades: 11 12
Fire and Emergency Services: Aligned with VT Common Core
- Dual Enrollment with Vermont Technical College
- Fire Fighter I (3 credits)
- Emergency Medical Technician (5 credits)
- Certifications
- ProBoard Fire Fighter I
- Wildland Fire Fighter I
- Hazardous Materials Operations
- National Registry/Emergency Medical Technician
- National Incident Management System: IS 00700, IS 00100, IS 00200, IS 00200.B
Contact: tnichols@canaanschools.org
Cold Hollow Career Center, Enosburg Falls
For Grades: 11 12
The Medical Careers Program is a two-year college preparatory program for students desiring careers in the medical field. In the 1st year students learn about history and trends of medical care, careers available, legal and ethical concerns, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, human growth and development, cultural diversity, geriatric care, infection control, First Aid, CPR, and computer technology. In the 2nd year students acquire skills as a medical assistant or nurse’s aide.
- Dual Enrollment with Community College of Vermont
- Human Biology
- Medical Terminology
- Certifications
- First Aid
- CPR/AED
- Licensed Nurse Assistant
- Prerequisite
- A college-prep biology class with a B or better
Contact: Cold Hollow Career Center Shelley Howrigan shelley.howrigan@fnesu.org
Northwest Technical Center, St. Albans
For Grades: 10 11 12
Human Services
In this college prep level program, students will learn about working with people of all ages through experience, community involvement, and classroom instruction. This program prepares students for careers as teachers, counselors, social workers, day care providers, geriatric service providers and workers in the health care and mental health fields. Upon completion of this program, students will be prepared to enter either college or the workforce.
- Certifications
- CPR/AED
- First Aid
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- Childcare Apprentice Certificates of Proficiency
- Prerequisite
- 426 Biology with a C or better, or 424 Biology with a B or better.
Medical Professions
This two-year upper-level program is designed for students who are planning to attend college or other medical training programs and pursue careers in medicine, nursing, physical therapy, radiologic imaging, laboratory technology, dental hygiene, veterinary technology, or sports medicine. Students will explore the symptoms of disease and wellness that may occur in the human body during a person’s life. These students will also have field placement in actual medical settings to help them apply their academic learning to real life situations. Second year students will concentrate on attaining their Licensed Nurse Assistant credential.
- Dual Enrollment
- Human Biology (3 credits) with Community College of Vermont
- Medical Terminology (3 credits) with Central Maine Community College
- Certifications
- Licensed Nurse Assistant
- CPR
- First Aid
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- Prerequisite
- 426 Biology with a B or better
Public Safety & Fire Services
This course is designed to meet the needs of students who are interested in becoming career or volunteer Fire Fighters, Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, Fire Inspectors, Police Officers, Border Patrol Officers, etc. The program focuses on gaining hands-on training with an emphasis on ethical behavior and the importance of volunteerism.
- Certifications
- CPR/AED (Red Cross)
- First Aid
- Emergency Medical Responder
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- And others
- Prerequisite
- 424 Biology with a C or better
Contact: Northwest Technical Center
Navicate TIPS (Training Interns and Partnering for Success):
For Grades: 11 12
Description: TIPS is an internship program for in-school and out-of-school youth ages 16+ that includes a 20-hour job skills class and a 40-hour unpaid internship with a local business/organization. Students typically earn ½ high school credit for completing both the class and internship. For more information, contact your high school guidance counselor or the Internship Coordinator.
Contacts: Franklin/Grand Isle Counties: Kathy Lavoie at 782-1924, Kathy.lavoie2@myfairpoint.net
Chittenden County: Kerry Hill Kerry@navicate.org
Addison County: Gerrie Heuts, Mt. Abraham HS gheuts@anesu.org
Programs are also held in Rutland, Bennington, Central VT and the Upper Valley.
Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP)
College Freshmen and Sophomores
A free, six-week summer enrichment program with stipend included, offered at 13 different sites throughout the country for those considering a career in dentistry, nursing, nutrition, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, medicine, physician assistant, public health. Details at national web site: https://www.shpep.org and at UVM Career Center: Cara F. Calvelli, MD at 802-656-3450.
New England - Health Careers Exploration Camp
For Grades: 10 11 12
Description: For the past several years, the University of New England has hosted a Dental Careers Exploration Camp. This year, for the second time, rather than focusing solely on careers in
the dental field, the camp will feature several health professions in the University’s second annual interprofessional health careers exploration camp. The goal of the camp is to provide an
opportunity for high school students from rural or underserved communities to explore various careers in healthcare. Applications are accepted from students throughout the US who will be entering grades 10 – 12 in Fall 2019. Maine students from rural and underserved communities and those who have more limited access to such opportunities will be given priority consideration.
Contact: Collyn Baeder
University of New England
207-221-4467cbaeder@une.edu
https://www.une.edu/ahec/health-careers-exploration-camp
For more information, contact your regional AHEC:
Northern Vermont AHEC
www.nvtahec.org
802-748-2506
Southern Vermont AHEC
www.svtahec.org
802-885-2126