More than 400 high school students learned more about careers in healthcare at a conference on Bellarmine University’s campus on Dec. 5.
The annual daylong conference of the North Central Kentucky Region of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) drew 413 students from 11 schools to Bellarmine’s Frazier Hall.
"It is such an honor to have some of the state's brightest and most ambitious students on campus," said Lauren Keeling, Bellarmine's interim vice president for Enrollment, Marketing and Communication. "As the state's leading institution in healthcare,
Bellarmine offers a great place for the future health professionals of Kentucky to deepen their knowledge and continue their exploration of the healthcare industry."
Students learned about careers in healthcare administration, physical therapy, sports medicine and exercise science; viewed simulations of a Friday night in an emergency room as well as common pediatric and geriatric care; met Vince, Bellarmine’s
facility dog; and received an overview of Bellarmine’s Lansing School of Nursing and Clinical Sciences.
A resource fair included stations for Norton Healthcare, Baptist Health, the U.S. Army ROTC Nursing Branch and the Alzheimer’s Association, along with Bellarmine’s Admissions, Financial Aid and Career Development offices and representatives
from the university’s Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Health Humanities/Public Health, Physical Therapy, Exercise Science and Health Care Administration programs.
The conference was a collaboration among Bellarmine’s College of Health Professions, Enrollment Management team and Center for Community & Professional Education.
"The annual HOSA conference is an incredible opportunity for high school students to explore their passion for healthcare, develop their leadership skills, and connect with like-minded peers,” said Emily Nation, Bellarmine’s director of Nursing
Clinical Placement, Accreditation and Communication.
“For Bellarmine, it’s a chance to support the next generation of healthcare professionals and showcase our commitment to preparing students for impactful careers in the health sciences."
Participating schools were the Oldham County Arvin Educational Center; Atherton, Ballard, Pleasure Ridge Park and Seneca High Schools in Jefferson County; Bardstown; Bullitt Central, Bullitt East and North Bullitt; Grant County; and Woodford County.