What does it take to become a physician assistant, an occupational therapist, or a doctor? The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine is teaming up with Jefferson College of Health Sciences to help local students understand what it takes – and to realize that a health care career is within their reach.

During the second annual Within Reach program, representatives from both schools will discuss a range of health care careers and offer tips on preparing for training programs. The event will take place Nov. 20 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.

School representatives will highlight more than a dozen academic programs, including those that lead to a certificate in medical laboratory science, an associate degree in such fields as respiratory therapy and science, a bachelor’s degree in a range of fields, a master’s degree in such fields as nursing and occupational therapy, or a medical degree. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentations.

“We’re encouraging anyone interested in the health care field – whether high school student, college student, or early- or mid-career professional – to attend Within Reach,” said Dr. David Trinkle, associate dean of community and culture at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. “Teachers, school counselors, parents, and community and church leaders may also find the event useful. The ones we’re most hoping to reach, though, are students who never dared imagine they could achieve such a career.”

“The health care field offers a multitude of careers that span not just educational levels, but also specialties as disparate as emergency services, exercise science, and health care management,” said Judith McKeon, director of admissions at Jefferson College of Health Sciences. “We want to show students that any number of these professions are within their reach, and we hope to help set them on the path to a health care career.”

For more information about Within Reach, call the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine at 540-526-2559 or email Jefferson College of Health Sciences.

Tags

    Share this story