MERCED - The UC Merced School of Natural Sciences will hold its
second annual Health Careers Day for high school and community
college students on Thursday, May 4. The day will consist of a
series of educational activities and workshops to teach students
about careers in the health sciences and medicine and help them
learn how to prepare for them.
“This day is geared toward young people interested in learning
about opportunities where they can make an impact on health and
disease,” said Assistant Dean Marna Cooper of the School of Natural
Sciences, who has overseen the organization of Health Careers Day.
“They will hear from working professionals what it takes to become
a doctor, nurse, dentist, pharmacist, or researcher, among other choices.”
Health Career Day will take place on the UC Merced campus at
5200 Lake Road in Merced. Students from grades 9-12, community
college students and the general public, especially individuals who
are interested in learning about careers in health sciences and
medicine are invited to participate in workshops from 8:30 a.m. - 1
p.m. Parents and teachers may also attend.
Activities include breakout sessions on specific topics;
interactive booths where participants discuss career and
educational opportunities with representatives from pharmaceutical
companies, hospitals, and universities; and door prizes such as a
laptop computer and scientific calculators.
Students can learn about career choices in health sciences and
medicine; pathways to prepare for health related careers; financial
and academic support available for students pursuing higher
education; companies and organizations where healthcare providers
and professionals work; and opportunities and rewards associated
with being a healthcare professional.
The first Health Careers Day was held in September, 2004 and
drew hundreds of students from around the San Joaquin Valley to UC
Merced’s Castle facility. For this school year, the event has been
moved to the spring and will be held on campus.
A $10 advance registration is required for each participant. All
registration fees are non-refundable. Limited on-site registration
may be available on the day of the event. Interested parties may
register online at
http://naturalsciences.ucmerced.edu. Anyone desiring more
information before registering should contact the UC Merced School
of Natural Sciences by e-mail at
naturalsciences@ucmerced.edu.
###
