Upstate AHEC’s Health Careers Academy (HCA) is a four year, interactive, academic-based program designed to encourage and prepare high school students to enter health careers. The curriculum includes activities that improve student skills while demonstrating the link between classroom subjects such as communications, math, and science to the practice of healthcare. The Health Careers Academy has four types of activities:
We provide monthly sessions at our center that teach basic knowledge and skills to prepare students for admission into college and a career in healthcare. Health Careers Academy meetings are every 2nd Tuesday of the month.
We also provide personal and professional development presentations at schools, youth summits, conferences, etc. on topics including but not limited to:
- career exploration,
- college preparation,
- studying,
- and time management
as a part of our Academy program. If you are interested in having our Health Careers Program Coordinator come out to your school and/or program, please give us a call at (864) 349-1175.
We provide interactive labs that review foundational science and introduce college-level practices to the students. These labs are typically led by professionals in the field of the “lab of study” which allow students to have direct exposure to healthcare professionals and lab procedures.
Serving the community is an important part of the Health Careers Academy. We encourage our students to participate in service projects that will enhance their experience in health careers while fostering civic responsibility. Organizations that we have partnered with include but aren’t limited to Amedysis Hospice, Our Lady’s Pantry, and Ronald McDonald House.
We provide packaged HCA modules online for student self-study that align with the Academy curriculum. The modules highlight key healthcare concepts through interactive exercises, animations, videos, and images. Courses include topics such as anatomy and physiology, health sciences, professionalism, and health administration.
There are over 20 module topics that students can explore at their own pace. Enrollment in our AHEC Learning Portal will allow students to explore courses and have access to AHEC experiences at every stop in their path: High School, Undergrad, Health Professions School, and Professional Continuing Education. To enroll in our online program, visit the SC AHEC website, and create an account. If you need assistance, contact hcpstudent@upstateahec.org.
2022-2023 Health Careers Academy
We are now accepting applications for our 2022-2023 Health Careers Academy! Please note that we will begin with virtual programming but hope to transition to in-person programs as soon as it’s safe to do so! We accept applications on our rolling basis and there is no set criteria for students that want to join us. As long as you are a high school student that is interested in joining or curious about the healthcare industry, YOU’RE IN as long as we have space to accommodate you in our program.
For more information or questions, please contact the Health Careers Program Coordinator, LaToya Dodson at 864-349-1175 or at hcpstudent@upstateahec.org.