JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — SUNY Jamestown Community College held its first Healthcare Exploration Day on Oct. 25 at the Jamestown Campus Physical Education Complex with more than 350 regional middle and high school students attending and engaging with healthcare professionals, employers, and educators.
“The Healthcare Career Exploration Fair was designed to inspire students to be a part of the healthcare and social assistance professions,” said Christine Schuyler, JCC’s program director of Healthcare Initiatives. “The goal was to give students the opportunity to enhance their understanding of and interest in rewarding careers in our local area. We hope that through this event, we have sparked their interest and connected them with local professionals to help create a sustainable workforce pathway in the healthcare professions.”
The following school districts attended: Allegany-Limestone; CA BOCES Ellicottville and Olean centers; Cattaraugus Little Valley; Chautauqua Lake; Clymer; Dunkirk; E2CC BOCES Hewes and LoGuidice centers; Falconer; Franklinville-Ten Broeck Academy; Frewsburg; Jamestown; Maple Grove; Pine Valley; Randolph; Southwestern; and Warren County Career Center.
the college's Healthcare Exploration Day.
Students had the opportunity to ask questions about career opportunities and participate in interactive activities with local healthcare organizations and educational programs. Some areas of focus included: addiction, registered and licensed professional nursing, developmental disabilities, certified nurse’s aide, EMT/paramedic, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, radiology, phlebotomy, dentistry, general medicine, pediatrics, mental health counseling, direct support professionals, public health, health information technology, and senior care.
Faculty and staff from JCC were at the event to provide information on the many programs the college offers in the area of healthcare including Occupational Therapy Assistant, Sport Management, Health Information Technology, Nursing, Healthcare Studies, Direct Support Professional program, Community Health Worker, Addictions Counseling, Human Services, Math & Science, Psychology, UPMC Chautauqua Medical Laboratory Science Program, Emergency Medical Technician, and Phlebotomy. JCC’s club for Students Affected by Chemical Dependency also provided information and resources, including naloxone training.
Other education and training providers at the event included Canisius University, E2CC BOCES, St. Bonaventure University, SUNY University at Buffalo, UPMC Chautauqua, and WNY Rural Area Health Education Center.
Students attended a panel discussion with current college students and professionals in biomedical technology, nursing, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology that was moderated by Dr. Lillian Vitanza Ney. Tours of JCC’s Nursing laboratory and Explore and Soar Occupational Therapy Clinic, and an acute care simulation activity were available.
“JCC offers several short-term and degree programs with a focus in healthcare,” Schuyler said. “Whether students are looking to enter the healthcare workforce quickly, or want an affordable start to their education, JCC is the place to be. While we are experiencing a healthcare provider shortage, there is no shortage of opportunities from doctors and dentists to nurses, therapists, EMTs, and support staff. We must work together to grow a local sustainable healthcare workforce.”
Several local employers participated in this event including: Aspire of WNY, Brooks-TLC Hospital System, Chautauqua County Health Department, Chautauqua Health Network, Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care, Culture Care Senior Living, Family Service of the Chautauqua Region, Heritage Ministries, Safe Point Lighthouse, The Chautauqua Center, The Resource Center, and UPMC Chautauqua.
This event was made possible thanks to the support of the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth and the US Department of Labor Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grant.
Sponsors included the Chautauqua County Education Coalition, Chautauqua Works, SUNY JCC, and UPMC Chautauqua.
For more information on healthcare programs and opportunities at JCC, visit sunyjcc.edu/HealthPhysicalWellness.