Health Sciences Summer Enrichment Program Accepting Applications
Program aims to give healthcare field experience
Hardin-Simmons is offering a summer program for students interested in preparing for a career in the fast-growing healthcare field. The application window recently opened for the two-week Health Sciences Summer Enrichment Program (HSSEP), which will run from June 19th to July 1st.
The program is an opportunity for high school students in 11th or 12th grade or incoming college freshmen to strengthen their skills in science and mathematics in a college environment. HSSEP aims to build confidence in student’s ability to master science skills at a college level and expose students to a variety of healthcare career options.
Professor Dr. Jennifer Hennigan said the 2016 program has added HSU’s Dr. Michelle Dose, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Physics, to further enhance its chemistry offerings. In addition to hands-on tours of HSU’s Physical Therapy and Nursing facilities, the program will bring Dr. Jennifer Eames, the director of the developing Physician Assistant program at HSU, on board to share about PA careers in the Career Roundtable.
Another unique feature of the program is an ongoing relationship that develops between students and faculty.
“I’ve enjoyed continuing my relationship with HSSEP students from last year and seeing their confidence as undergraduates, and I am excited about meeting new students,” Hennigan said.
In its second year, the HSSEP program at HSU prepares students with a combination of college lectures, engaging labs, and interactive sessions with health care professionals and their workplaces. Lecture and lab classes in biology, chemistry and college algebra or pre-calculus will be offered.
Last year, HSSEP campers designed and conducted their own experiment investigating microbial diversity on campus. They also dissected bovine eyes and fetal pigs in the anatomy and physiology lab to investigate how organ structures inform function. In addition, students attended a roundtable of regional health experts allowing them an in-depth look into today’s professional healthcare environment.
Upon completion of the program, students will receive quantitative feedback on their strengths and weaknesses.
Students who participated in last summer’s program say that it helped them to solidify their major in the medical field and helped them picture themselves more clearly in a health-related job. Healthcare jobs are on the rise, making them a smart choice for students with interest in the field. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of healthcare occupations is projected to grow 19 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Interested students need to turn in applications by February 29th. Additional details about the program can be found on the HSSEP website: http://ryrpel.chucaocu.com/hssep.