Titans CAREER CONNECT
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February 8, 2021
In This Issue.....
SPOTLIGHT ON.....
In this issue, we will look at careers in demand within THERAPEUTIC SERVICES
- CNA-Certified Nursing Assistant
- Dental Hygienist
- Registered Nurse
- Physician Assistant
Also included-
- NE Metro 916 healthcare programming options
- Upcoming events
FAST FACTS...
Job possibilities in DIRECT HEALTH CARE (Therapeutic Services) are seemingly endless. There are 48 careers listed in Therapeutic Services alone, ranging from minimal training investment to advanced degree options.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for professionals with nursing degrees will grow by 12% from 2018-2028.
- Learn more about IN-DEMAND HEALTH CARE CAREERS in Minnesota with THIS TOOL. You will be able to see a snapshot of typical wages, current demand and level of educational investment. Check it out!
#1 CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant
CNA's perform duties such as helping patients dress, eat, groom or bathe. They serve meals, make beds and escort patients to rooms. They may also check some vitals, such as temperature, pulse or blood pressure. CNA's work under the supervision of nursing staff.
Median Wage: $16.05/hour in MN
Educational Investment: between 4-12 weeks
*NOTE: Nursing programs highly recommend that prospective students have a CNA certification.
What you can do now to prepare:
1. Reach out to Ms. Jorgensen in Career Services to get step-by-step help
2. Enroll in Tartan classes that support this career (see Prepare Now))
3. Consider taking Intro. to Medical Careers or Medical Careers (Honors) at NE Metro 916 CTE
#2 Dental Hygienist
Administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.
Median Wage: $36.08/Hr
Educational Investment:
2 years (Associate's Degree) - see Century College
or 4 years (Bachelor's Degree) - see UMN
*NOTE: A dental hygienist has more training than a Dental Assistant and less training than a Dentist.
Find out more: Dental Hygienist
Six steps to becoming a registered Dental Hygienist
What you can do now to prepare:
1. Take math, science classes in high school that support this career (see Prepare Now)
2. Engage in a variety career exploration opportunities (tours, info. interviews and more-connect with the CAREER CENTER for help)
3. Consider enrolling in the Dental Hygiene program at NE Metro 916 CTE
4. Choose the type of educational investment you want
5. Select a couple of colleges, visit then apply
#3 Registered Nurse
Snapshot:
As America’s health care system continues to undergo a radical shakeup, one thing remains constant – no matter what the outcome, there is a need for qualified, capable individuals to step up to the plate and become Registered Nurses. This is among the highest paying and most flexible occupations the current employment world has to offer.There is an incredibly wide range of avenues open to RN’s, with many training/education options. CHECK OUT THIS RESOURCE to learn more about types of nursing degrees and levels.
Median Wage: $36.08/Hr
Educational Investment:
There are several great educational paths to getting trained to be a nurse, from as little as one year of training to advanced degrees (5+ years). NURSE JOURNAL walks you through all of the options.
*NOTE: Nursing programs highly recommend that prospective students have a CNA certification.
What you can do now to prepare:
1. Choose classes in high school that will support this career (see Prepare Now)
2. Engage in a variety career exploration opportunities (tours, info. interviews and more-connect with the CAREER CENTER for help)
3. Choose the type of educational investment you want
4. Select a couple of colleges, visit then apply
#4 Physician Assistant
Physician assistants, also called PAs, are trained medical professionals who practice medicine under physician supervision. Generally, they provide physicals, order and interpret lab tests or x-rays, assist in surgery, diagnose and treat illnesses, set fractures, suture, treat minor injuries, prescribe and carry out therapy and prescribe some medications.
Median Wage: $62.73/hour
Educational Investment:
Master's Degree (two years post-graduate education after completing a four-year degree), so six years of rigorous education. Application to PA school is highly competitive. Look into PA programs you want to apply to as early as your freshman year in college. You'll typically need to complete at least two years of college coursework in basic and behavioral sciences before applying to a PA program, which is very similar to premedical studies.
Most students have a bachelor's degree (4-year) and about three years of health care experience before entering a program. Programs also require you to have 500-2,500 hours of direct care experience prior to PA school, so consider getting your CNA or EMT certification while you are in high school and track your hours.
Find out more:
What you can do now to prepare:
1. Choose classes in high school that support health sciences (see Prepare Now)
2. Engage in a variety career exploration opportunities (tours, info. interviews and more-connect with the CAREER CENTER for help)
3. Select a couple of colleges and request a visit with PA or pre-PA admissions reps.
Prepare Now!
- Work part-time at a hospital or nursing home (See Ms. Forsythe for help)
- Volunteer with the Red Cross, M Health Fairview, Allina Health, Regions Hospital and more
- Earn your CNA, PCA/HHA and/or CPR/BLS certification (see CNA section)
- Take classes in high school that support careers in Therapeutic Services: math, chemistry, child development, family life, health, genetics, anatomy, world language, psychology, and/or sociology
- Enroll in one of the four Health Sciences courses at NE Metro 916 CTE
NE Metro 916's Health Sciences Programs
There are plenty of classes and exploration opportunities you can do right now while you are in high school that will help you discover more about careers in Health Sciences. In addition to what we offer, you and also consider one of four programs of study at NE Metro 916 Career & Technical Education. Check it out!
Heather Bombadir, Tartan School Nurse
Current Position: School Nurse
College: University of North Dakota
Major/Degree: Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN), Public Health Nurse (PHN), Licensed School Nurse (LSN)
The journey to now: During my preceptorships I tried working in emergency medicine, pediatrics, hospice, mental health, orthopedics, and then finally found my passion in cardiology. After graduation I worked for a pharmaceutical company traveling around educating health personnel on cardiac medications. For the next 10 years, I stayed home to raise my children.
Seven years ago I returned to nursing as a sub nurse at my local school. I loved it and feel blessed that I was able to land at Tartan. Note, I never set out to be a school nurse but it has been one of the BEST decisions I've made. I am in awe of our Tartan students everyday!
Helpful HS classes or other experiences: obviously science and math classes are really important for medical careers. However, in the real world I find that skills in writing, organization/multi-tasking, communication, speaking a foreign language, social skills and the ability to work with others are essential. I would also recommend volunteering and being of service to your community.
Anything else: Health careers will always be in demand, and there are job opportunities at every level of educational investment. If you feel drawn to healthcare, try to gain exposure and experience in any way that you can, especially while you're in high school. Participate in opportunities such as 916 health programs, CNA jobs, volunteering in a hospital, respite care, be a special ed. para, etc.
Distinguished Alumni - Dr. Phuong Nguyen, MD
Current position:
Chief of Pediatric Plastic Surgery
Director of Craniofacial Surgery
Associate Program Director, Plastic Surgery Residency
Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery
Major / Degree / College:
BS - Neuroscience, University of Minnesota
MD - Doctor of Medicine, University of MN Medical School
Internship & Residency - General Surgery, New York University Medical Center
Research Fellowship - Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, NY University Medical Center
Residency - Plastic Surgery - University of California, LA
Fellowship - Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery - The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto
The journey to now:
I knew from a pretty young age that I wanted to be a doctor. As a child, I was a creative problem-solver. For instance, when I was young I wanted some Transformers but my parents wouldn't buy me any. So I drew some on a piece of paper, cut them out and played with them. I had just as much fun with my crafted ones as I would have with the store-bought toys.
In high school, I split my time between Tartan and the U of M. By the time I graduated from Tartan, I had the equivalent of two years completed at the U. It was a cost and time savings. After working with children who had craniofacial abnormalities, such as cleft palate, he knew that's the kind of work he wanted to engage in. One thing he loves about this area of medicine, is that he gets to work with patients over a long period of time, rather than just a quick office appointment. He builds relationships with his patients and their families, and involves them in the decision-making process.
Helpful HS classes:
In addition to taking rigorous math and science classes, I believe finding creative outlets in high school is also important. I really loved my time with the high school choir and have even maintained friendships with a few of my choir mates. I still sing (and play guitar) today. I am in a band called Help the Doctors. Our band performed (virtually) at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration. I'm still trying to wrap my head around it!
Am also grateful for having taken French with Ms. Dahlberg and have put my skills to good use, as I've been to France several times.
Anything else:
I think it's important for schools to try and add staff that represent the student population. When I was at Tartan, I could count the people of color on one hand. An important piece of mentorship for young people is to be surrounded by people who look like you, so I hope schools continue to add diversity to its staff.
I also want students to know that they shouldn't give up on their plans and dreams. I didn't get into medical school the first time I applied. Eventually I did, though, and I'm so glad I persevered. I would also tell students to have a plan, but also be open to shifting your plan a bit. I enrolled at the U of M as an art major. It was only after having several touch points to lots of different experiences that I discovered my passion for pediatric plastic surgery. It's important to explore as much as you can, as early as you can.
Real Job Postings as Research
Dental Hygienist- Excelsior Family Dental
Dental Hygienist- Linden Hills Dentistry
Dental Hygienist - Macalester Groveland
CNA - The Legacy of St. Anthony
CNA - Episcopal Homes of America
Casual RN - University of Minnesota
Physician Assistant - Advanced Dermatology Care
SAVE THE DATE!
SPARCing College Success - Illuminating the Path!
When: Wednesday, Feb. 24th from 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Virtual Event
Join this virtual event to get answers to these questions and more! The panel is made up of STEM college students and young professionals..
REGISTER HERE for this event
NOTE: The registration deadline is February 17, 2021
Questions? Reach out to Ms. Kapaun or contact Melissa with Career Services
Youth Health Care Awareness Cohort
There are two FREE 5-week sessions available: June 2021 and September 2021.
Questions: akhmiri@culturalwellnesscenter.org
Send applications to sameerah.bilal-roby@wilder.org by April 1, 2021
Contact Melissa Jorgensen
Schedule an appointment w/ Ms. Jorgensen for support with CAREER PLANNING & POSSIBILITIES
Email: mjorgensen@isd622.org
Website: https://www.isd622.org/domain/1608
Location: 828 Greenway Ave N, Oakdale, MN, USA
Phone: 651-702-8668
Contact Christina Forsythe
Email: cforsythe@isd622.org
Website: https://www.isd622.org/Domain/2441
Location: 828 Greenway Ave N, Oakdale, MN, USA
Phone: 651-702-8655