St. Charles Area Hospitals Offer Unique Learning Experience for Students

In association with the Learning for Life program of the Greater St. Louis Area Council, Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital, Progress West HealthCare Center, SSM St. Joseph Health Center, and SSM St. Joseph Hospital West have joined forces to offer a Medical Explorers post for high school students interested in a career in health care. Students who successfully complete the program will be eligible to win one of two $500 scholarships, funded by the four participating hospitals. 

The program is open to all junior and senior high school students in the St. Charles City and County area.

The medical explorer program takes place during the current school year. Meetings are on the first and third Tuesday of every month, with the exception of December, and rotate between the four sponsoring hospitals. Each meeting covers a new department and a new set of health care career possibilities. A team of professionals from each of the hospitals and related community affiliates will offer guidance and expertise in each department.

Nursing, radiology, nutrition, physical therapy and obstetrics are just some of the health care careers covered. Students will tour each facility and participate in hands-on activities including blood testing, ultrasound practice, and demonstrations of equipment and technology.

Learning for Life is a character education and career awareness program that supports schools and community organizations. The program helps youth develop social, life and leadership skills and prepares them to make decisions that will help them achieve their full potential. Exploring is a work-site based program designed to enhance career awareness and leadership.