21st Century Health Careers Program

Program Information | Frequently Asked Questions | Contact Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 21st Century Health Careers Program?

The 21st Century Health Careers Program is an effort to introduce 11th and 12th grade students to potential career paths in the health care industry. Battle Creek Health System, Kellogg Community College, and the Calhoun Area Technology Center joined to create the 21st Century Health Careers Program in support of the School-to-Work initiatives.

Why should I be interested in joining the 21st Century Health Careers Program?

This program offers young people like you the opportunity to explore career options and become a part of an interesting and challenging profession. You will have the opportunity to acquire skills, understand work expectations, and learn about health as a specialization while training directly with professionals in the medical field.

How are applicants selected for the 21st Century Health Career Program?

Applicants will be selected for admission based on the following criteria: Interest and motivation for learning about the careers available in the health and medical profession; Interest in research and the application of technology; Aptitude for successful study in the health careers area; Record of prior academic achievement as indicated by grades, attendance, and test scores.

What do the students learn and how is the program set up?

Interested students with the necessary math, science and English skills are encouraged to join the two-year program. Students will receive an introduction to a wide variety of basic health care skills, including medical ethics, supplies and equipment, asepsis, medical terminology, body structures and function, assessment communications, emergency procedures, transportation of patients, positioning of patients and hygiene and personal care. Following this introduction, students spend three weeks of each month in the hospital setting learning new skills and experiencing health careers. One week of every month is spent in the classroom testing new-found knowledge and preparing for the next hospital experience. Up to 10 college credits can be earned at Kellogg Community College during the 2-year program in English, anatomy, and physiology.

How much credit will I earn, and will it apply toward math, science or English credit?

You will receive the same amount of credit per semester that your school currently grants to students attending the Calhoun Area Technology Center as long as your attendance and grade point average is at an acceptable level. Students may receive math, science and English credit depending on home school requirements. Up to 6 English credits and 4 anatomy credits at KCC can be earned also.

What will cost be for tuition, laboratory fees, books, etc.?

No extra lab fees or book fees will be charged to the student. Students will be expected to purchase and care for their uniform which is to be worn daily. It is the intent of the Calhoun Area Technology Center to provide all services at the least cost possible to students. Parents will be asked to pay 1/4 of the college studies tuition which represents $35-40 per semester. Financial assistance may be available dependent upon income.

If I am accepted into the 21st Century Health Careers Program, what should my expectation be?

Students participating in the Battle Creek Health System/Calhoun Area Technology Center 21st Century Careers Program will be part of an academically challenging curriculum in a visually stimulating atmosphere. In addition to academic instructions, students will develop effective teamwork, communication and research skills.

How will I fit into the hospital setting?

Students will be members of teams under the guidance direction of the Calhoun Area Technology Center's 21st Century Health Careers Instructor and mentors from Battle Creek Health System. Each student will be on a separate rotation throughout Battle Creek Health System and they will work with the staff on their rotation as if they were also an employee. Teams will change during the year to facilitate skill development. Students can expect to become models for their colleagues and develop mentoring skills within the teams. In addition, all hours the students spend in the hospital will be totaled and counted toward college internship requirements at many local colleges and nursing schools.

How will credit be granted for study at the Battle Creek Health System/Calhoun Area Technology Site?

All credits will be granted through the student's home school. Transcripts will be maintained at the home school and the home school will be responsible for calculating the student's grade point average.

What about transportation?

Transportation to the Calhoun Area Technology Center and/or Battle Creek Health System will be the responsibility of the home school or individual student.

Can I expect homework as a part of the 21st Century Health Careers Program?

The expectations of the 21st Century Health Careers Program are not to be viewed any differently than any other academic/technology program. Instructors and mentors will assign homework if it is part of the professional development required for that profession. Students should realize they are "students" and as with anything new, education must first take place before one is allowed to practice within his/her area of interest. You must be prepared before you will be allowed patient contact.

How will instruction at the hospital differ from instruction in most schools?

The Calhoun Area Technology Center's staff, in conjunction with the hospital staff, plans and coordinates the instructional program as a team. Most of the activities carried out by the students are done in cooperation with the staff. Though direct instruction may be presented in a lecture, with a demonstration or via a video, nearly all activities to reinforce the learning are carried out in a team environment. Students are encouraged to share within their team, seek information from others and openly present their knowledge. The process of explaining an idea or concept to another person is an effective means of enhancing one's own learning. Student teams will also plan and conduct presentations and share with their classmates.