Student Education at Baptist Health Paducah

FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Healthcare occupations classes – Students from area high schools attend classes daily on the hospital campus for high school credit. The teacher and curriculum are provided by the Paducah Area Technical Center to provide an overview of healthcare careers and hands-on experience through shadowing opportunities. Contact: Paducah Area Technology Center at 270.443.6592.

Healthcare Explorers – This extracurricular activity is for students in grades 9-12. It meets once monthly after school, from October through March. Career exploration includes hands-on demonstrations from physicians, nursing, pharmacy, lab, radiology and rehab; it ends with a healthcare career jamboree at Murray State University Paducah Regional Campus or West Kentucky Community and Technical College. Contact: Michael Muscarella, 270.575.2722, [email protected].

FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

Pre-Med Academy – Fifteen area pre-med students, with at least one semester of college credit, are chosen each year for the eight-week summer program. The paid internship includes rotations with a variety of physicians through departments, ranging from Emergency to Surgery. Application deadline is April 1. Contact Connie Overstreet, 270.415.7795, [email protected].

Employment opportunities and benefits – Baptist Health hires part-time CNAs, for as little as eight hours weekly, while they are in college. Those students, as well as any nursing students whose family member works at Baptist Health Paducah, are eligible for tuition assistance toward their associate degree in Nursing. Those who work at least 24 hours a week are eligible for other benefits. Contact Bonnie Schrock, 270.575.8477, [email protected].

FOR ALL AGES

Shadowing – Secondary and post-secondary students, as well as adults, planning to enter a healthcare field have the opportunity to observe a health profession in the work setting. This program is designed for brief observational experiences, four to eight hours. Post-secondary students, such as Rural Health Scholars, are provided a longer observational experience to meet school needs. Contact: Andrea Williams, 270.575.8370, [email protected] (Paducah area only).

Volunteers – Secondary and post-secondary students, as well as adults, may apply to be volunteers, minimum age is 14. Volunteer opportunities are available based on need. Most shifts are 4 to 5 hours long. Positions are available as greeters, transporters, gift shop, patient hospitality and rounding. Contact: Greg Holtgrewe, 270.575.8450, [email protected].

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES

Post-graduate students – Medical, physical-speech-occupational therapy, social work, dietary, healthcare administration and other students may complete clinical rotations at Baptist Health Paducah. Contact Andrea Williams, 270.575.8370, [email protected].

Other workforce development for students – Baptist Health Paducah provides career demonstrations and information in area career fairs, including the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce “Launch!” for eighth graders, and sponsors the Paducah chamber’s annual STEM conference for girls. Baptist Health Paducah also partners with Purchase Area Health Education Center on the AHEC Scholars and other programs to strengthen the workforce.