Event helps students learn about careers in the medical field

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Creating the next generation of medical professionals was the goal of Thursday’s healthcare expo. It’s part of a broader initiative to cultivate a healthcare talent pipeline in central Ohio. 

It was organized by the Central Ohio Healthcare Sector Partnership, in collaboration with the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio and the Education Service Center of Central Ohio. 

The event welcomed over 1,100 area high school students and provided them an opportunity to explore careers in the medical profession. 

“It’s really special because you have employers from different hospitals, outpatient services, working side by side together in the occupation stations,” said Courtney Thraen, director for Central Ohio Healthcare Sector Partnerships. 

It featured hands-on activities that showcased five priority healthcare occupations: respiratory therapist, radiologic technologist, surgical technologist, medical assistant and registered nurse. 

“It’s one thing to kind of explore it,” said Sarah Sherer, Chief Human Resource Officer, with the OSU Wexner Medical Center. “But to actually be able to see yourself and visualize is a whole new dimension for these amazon young adults that are here today.”

Ella Jorgenson is a freshman at Westerville South. She said that she learned a lot and it’s her dream to be able to give back and help the community.

“I want to be a registered nurse, but I think I want to work in the maternity ward as a registered nurse,” she said. “It makes us excited and it makes us be able to properly plan for the future. So, this is like the most wonderful, euphoric opportunity to have.”

These activities were intended to make these students aware of the diverse career pathways available while also inspiring the next generation of leaders. 

“Columbus City Schools is a huge district full of potential and our students are the future of the city. So, for them to see what they’re future career can be like while they’re helping other people in their community, it’s really exciting,” said Bethany Bell, the career and community resource office with Columbus City Schools.

Bell brought over 30 students with her, she said they all had interest in the healthcare field and they really enjoyed the event. 

Columbus State was another one of the educators at today's event. Kirk Dickerson, the chief strategist for healthcare, at Columbus State said their biggest role is to engage students where they’re at. Dickerson said the vast majority of their students stick around when they graduate, serving the central Ohio community. 

“It’s important that we’re able to establish that pipeline and be very efficient in getting students through that so that they’re into the workplace, providing quality care that all of our partners provide,” he said. 

One program Dickerson talked about is the Columbus Promise. It’s a pilot program brought to you by the City of Columbus, CCS, I Know I Can and Columbus State Community College. The goal is to prepare for the growing job market in Columbus. It covers tuition and fees to Columbus State. 

As central Ohio continues to grow, so does the need for healthcare professionals. 

“We know that there are many workforce challenges within the healthcare arena,” said Sherer. “Many people left during the pandemic and so to actually have individuals excited and to start getting into programming again, is going to help and benefit the communities and all of our patients for years to come.”

Organizers said they anticipate this event will continue to grow, the hope is that this will turn into a three-day event.