| | | | Explore Health Careers Middle School Students
The NW PA AHEC works with students at all grade levels to introduce health careers and educate students on the numerous possibilities a career in health care can achieve. We actively engage students in the learning process through programs and other resources that allow the learners to understand the different careers, required education, and the benefit these careers can have on them personally and on their community. We believe it is important to continuously stress the value of education. We encourage students to set career goals early and notice the magnitude of their academics NOW in order to fulfill these goals for the future. The opportunities in the health care industry are vast and very rewarding, especially at a time like now when our country is experiencing a critical shortage of health care professionals and the need for excellent health care is continuously rising.
Wheel of Future©The Wheel of Future program is designed for grades 5th-8th to introduce students to career planning and career opportunities in the health field. It is an innovative activity that provokes students to think about their future career paths and lifestyles. The goal of this program is to help middle school students understand the necessity of planning for their future. Students volunteer to spin the “Future Wheel” for a chance selection of health careers. Class members then try to determine the job characteristics such as work environment, equipment used,  length of education to obtain the careers, and how much income one receives from that career choice. Students will understand how to make good decisions for their future by giving them the chance to see the financial importance of education by comparing a minimum wage job with any career that has training and/or an educational component. Program Objectives:
• Students will increase their knowledge of health career opportunities.
• Students will gain an understanding in education levels as related to expected annual salaries.
• Students will be able to identify several study skills and/or learning behaviors that increase their success in meeting career goals.
The staff at the NW PA AHEC has combined their curriculum development experience and skills to create this comprehensive, interactive resource for career planning and a proven method of fostering and nurturing an interest in health care careers. Educators and counselors have found the Wheel of Future program to be organized and thought provoking with great student interaction. The program introduces new health careers and the lifelong opportunities to be gained with a career in the health care field.
To schedule a free program in Northwest Pennsylvania, or for more information on the Wheel of Future© program contact Jane Mullinax at the NW PA AHEC.
Visit our Products section for information on purchasing this program for your school or organization.
These Resources may help you discover more information and provide more direction into health careers.
NW PA Area Health Education Center | 1913 West 8th Street | Erie, PA 16505 | P: 814-453-6551 | F: 814-455-4320 | |
