Video: Pilot Program Funded Through Toyota Gives High School Students Look At Healthcare Careers

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) — Like other students in this class, John Phillips is interested in a career in the healthcare field, but he’s not sure about a specific area.

“I really wanted a more comprehensive look at it,” Phillips said.

That’s why the North Pontotoc High School senior, along with 24 other students, are enrolled in this pilot program. It’s funded through a $50 million endowment established at the CREATE Foundation through Toyota to enhance educational opportunities in the region.

Students get both high school and college credits in the course that combines online classes through Northeast Community College and job shadowing and classroom time at NMMC.

For this assignment, students are asked to do everyday tasks, like making an ice cream sundae, or thread a needle, with some sort of physical limitation brought on by the aging process.

“If you don’t understand a population that you’re working with then you could dismiss something that might be very important,” said Rosalyn Campbell, Career Counselor with NMMC.

Phillips says the exercise gave him a better understanding of the problems brought about by aging, and the stress that will put on the healthcare system.

“It’s a pretty neat experience, especially since the baby boomers are getting on up in age, it will be more of a rise in costs of aging people and healthcare for them,” Phillips said.

Organizers hope the pilot program helps students bridge the gap between what sounds interesting and the reality of what is required to excel in health care careers.

“We’re hoping to be able to have a more informed student coming out of this class about what the different professions are, educational requirements for them,” said Camille Shoffner, the NEMCC instructor who teaches the course.

The class lasts for one semester, and there is already a waiting list.

Students will be able to spend five days through the semester shadowing medical professionals at NMMC.