CHHS Events: Nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals!

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Editor's Note:

A photo of students in a clinical lab sciences lab
 Students in a clinical lab sciences lab
A photo of students in a clinical lab sciences lab

 Students in a clinical lab sciences lab

The College of Health and Human Services hosted approximately 100 high school students from the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools as part of Healthcare Next Generation, a key initiative of the Canton Chamber of Commerce focused on youth career exploration in health professions. The students started their day touring Beaumont Health facilities and listening to healthcare professionals detail how they entered their specific career pathways. They then boarded their buses for EMU!

A photo of students in an occupational therapy lab
Students in an occupational therapy lab 
A photo of students in an occupational therapy lab

Students in an occupational therapy lab 

Students had the opportunity to participate in three of seven hands-on learning labs designed by our talented faculty and staff members. “Speakers were engaging and very thoughtful,” a student said. The 30-minute labs provided an opportunity for students to discover more about the disciplines and programs offered by CHHS. Students assembled prostheses (Orthotics and Prosthetics), participated in fitness labs (Exercise Science), reviewed microbiology plates to find organisms causing infection (Clinical Lab Sciences), participated in a food demonstration focusing on nutrient-dense snack food (Dietetics and Human Nutrition), designed a visual depiction of an issue addressed by public health and health education professionals (Public Health / Health Education/ Health Administration), experienced muscular stimulation with an E-Stim and TENS unit (Athletic Training), and used adapted equipment designed to support engagement in everyday life (Occupational Therapy). More than 30 faculty, staff, and administrators volunteered their time for this event. In addition, students currently enrolled in the Dietetics, Orthotics and Prosthetics, Occupational Therapy, and Exercise Physiology programs also participated. They were able to share their personal experiences as EMU students. One student noted, “Everyone was so sweet and had so much information for us.”

Following the learning labs, everyone who participated in the day’s events joined in a Lunch and Learn. This provided another opportunity for Plymouth-Canton students to ask additional questions about CHHS programs. Results of an evaluation form completed by 77 students indicate that the day was a success!

  • 91% of the participants strongly agreed that the learning labs were well organized
  • 97% strongly agreed that the learning labs kept their attention
  • 97% were very satisfied with the day’s events at EMU
A photo of all prospective students
All of the prospective students from the event
A photo of all prospective students

All of the prospective students from the event

Overall, these students enjoyed a day filled with fun and exciting learning experiences. “Really enjoyed the different activities we participated in today. Was not bored. Kinda expected to be…pleasant surprise.” One student remarked. We hope this was a great look into what their futures may hold as the next generation of healthcare professionals.