Health Professions Camp Inspires Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals

Health Professions Camp Inspires Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals

Nearly 40 high school students from Ohio and Southeast Michigan spent time this week exploring healthcare careers at The University of Toledo's annual Health Professions Career Summer Camp.

Hosted by the College of Health and Human Services, the camp introduced students to majors and careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, social work, recreational therapy, respiratory care, nursing and health sciences. Through hands-on activities and demonstrations, campers gained a firsthand look at the wide range of healthcare professions that work together to improve patient outcomes.

Mike Dillon, assistant dean of clinical affairs in the College of Health and Human Services, said the camp is designed to introduce students who already have an interest in healthcare to professions they may not have previously considered.

"Healthcare is a team sport. So, if we do healthcare the right way, it should be a team sport, and we've all got to work together," Dillon said. "If we all play our role well, then the outcomes for the patients are the best they could possibly be."

Many of the professions highlighted during the camp continue to face significant workforce shortages, making early exposure especially important for students considering a future in healthcare.

"We need way more of these professions than most anyone can imagine," said Alexia Metz, the Occupational Therapy Program director. "These are not the best-known professions out there, so getting an early introduction to these careers is vital."

Dillon said one of the strengths of the College of Health and Human Services is that graduates consistently enter the workforce prepared for successful careers.

"Our students, as they're graduating, are going right into jobs, right into entry-level clinical positions or administrative positions," he said. "Our placement rate is incredibly high and incredibly successful, and our students get the preparation they need to pass their licensure exams as well."

For students who are still deciding which healthcare profession is the best fit, Dillon said beginning with a health science major allows them to explore multiple career paths while completing prerequisite coursework for several programs.

"It's a great way for them to do that in a way that they continue to move forward," he said. "So, they're using that time and money wisely to find that path."