UVA Wise Partners with MECC, Claude Moore Foundation and Ballad Health to Host Exploring Healthcare Careers Event
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise) is pleased to announce that it is partnering with Mountain Empire Community College (MECC), the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation and Ballad Health to host the second annual Exploring Healthcare Careers event.
Offering local middle and high school students an opportunity to explore pathways into healthcare professions, the event will take place on Tuesday, March 18, from 5-7 p.m., at the Norton Overlook, 115 8th St. SW, in Norton, Virginia. Open to students in grades 5-12, Exploring Healthcare Careers will provide attendees with hands-on insight into healthcare career paths, as well as opportunities to meet school recruiters and learn about financial aid and program requirements.
"Last year, I went to the healthcare career event with my dad, and it was so cool!” says one local middle school student. “I didn’t know much about healthcare careers before, but it was amazing to see all the different jobs and learn how people work in hospitals. There were real tools and equipment we could check out, and everyone was super nice and answered all our questions. I got a ton of flyers and info about how to become a healthcare professional. I’m definitely going back this year with more questions, and I think anyone who’s even a little curious about healthcare should totally go. It’s such a fun way to learn!"
UVA Wise’s Bill Gatton Department of Nursing will be present at the event to share information about their academic program offerings as a key partner in raising awareness of and training for healthcare careers in the region and beyond.
“The Claude Moore Foundation in Wise County is an invaluable partner in shaping the future of healthcare. By introducing middle school students to the vast opportunities within the healthcare field, the foundation helps set them on a trajectory toward successful careers in the industry,” says Nancy Haugen, Kathleen Strunk Endowed Chair of Nursing, who leads the UVA Wise Bill Gatton Department of Nursing. “We are proud to be co-hosting Healthcare Explorers Night for the second year, giving middle and high school students a hands-on opportunity to envision their future in these vital fields.”
The College’s admissions, kinesiology, pre-professional, computer science, business and economics, medical lab technology and science programs will also join the nursing department at the event.
The event builds on the ongoing success of the Claude Moore Scholars program, which provides students in Wise County and City of Norton middle schools with early exposure to healthcare careers and pathways toward professional certifications, including Certified Nursing Assistant credentials. Since its inception, the program has engaged more than 1,500 students across Southwest Virginia.
Through the program, UVA Wise and MECC collaborate to accommodate students’ progressions into advanced degrees. Students also have the opportunity to work in roles of increasing responsibility at Ballad Health facilities with flexible schedules to support their educational journeys.
The Claude Moore Scholars program spans across Wise County and Norton City Middle Schools, including Union Middle School, Coeburn Middle School, L.F. Addington Middle School, J.W. Adams Combined School, St. Paul Elementary School and Norton Elementary and Middle School.
“Investing in the education and career development of students is at the heart of our mission,” said Dr. William Hazel, senior deputy executive director of the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation.
Students and parents interested in learning more about healthcare career opportunities, as well as affordability initiatives that support career preparation programs, are encouraged to attend the event. No registration is required.