John Mitty Tuesday, June 4, 2013 |
Smithtown, New York—On June 3, 2013, St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center held its Health Care Career Exploration and Internship Program graduation ceremony for 28 students from Commack and Smithtown High Schools. The 28 students received a half a health credit through participation in a 16-week lecture series in health care careers. The students were given hands on experience, as well as industry information in various departments including nursing, pharmacy, dietary and laboratory, to name a few.
The Health Care Career Exploration and Internship Program initiated through a partnership with the Smithtown Industry Advisory Board to offer high school students the opportunity to earn credits while gaining hands-on experience. The program has grown to include Commack High School. “I am proud to share that previous students who graduated from this program not only got into the college of their choice, and some with scholarships, but it gave the students so much more confidence,” said Executive Director for Smithtown Schools Industry Advisory Board/ Work Experience Coordinator, Mary Pat Grafstein.
Commack High School student Melissa Montagnese gave a brief testimonial regarding her 16-week experience at the graduation ceremony. She said she was inspired by the instructors and will always remember the following words, “The only way you will get to do what you want to do is to be disciplined.” She expressed how much she gained from the program and plans to pursue a career in health care.
St. Catherine’s Director of Community Relations Heather Reynolds, who coordinates the program stated, “These students embraced learning about health care and the professionals who dedicated their time and talent to teach about their discipline has been an exciting collaboration between the medical center and the community high schools.” She added, “We look forward to continuing the partnership in the future.”
For more information about St. Catherine’s Health Care Career Exploration and Internship Program, please call (631) 870-3444.
jmitty@longislandyellowpages.com Appears In: Press Releases
|