Choosing a career path — let alone a major — can be a difficult decision for soon-to-be college students.
That’s why Newman University recently offered an Introduction to Health Care Professions camp for advanced standing high schoolers of The Independent School in Wichita.
The half-day courses, which took place June 5-8, gave 10 students the opportunity to learn more about a variety of career options within the health care field, including medicine, nursing, respiratory care, diagnostic sonography and radiologic technology.
All activities took place inside the state-of-the-art Bishop Gerber Science Center on campus.
Candace Davis, advanced standing coordinator, explained that Newman’s connection with The Independent School stems from alumnus and superintendent Terrell Davis, Ed.S.
“When I reached out to Mr. Davis, we were able to meet and talk about the advanced standing program at Newman and what we could offer to The Independent School students,” she explained.
Dean of the School of Healthcare Professions Geri Tyrell added that through those conversations, family members expressed interest in a health care camp. Newman faculty, alumni and community representatives banded together to make it happen.
“Timothy Cho and Stacie Fox of Newman University created this camp for Newman, and Dr. Geri Tyrell and Dr. Alden Stout have done an excellent job of helping make this camp come to fruition,” Davis said.
Several Newman faculty led the modules and contributed to the camp’s success:
- Assistant Professor and Director of the DNAP Program Kimyatta Brent
- Director of the Radiologic Technology program Jeff Vaughn
- Instructor and Clinical Coordinator of the Radiologic Technology program Jeskan McGovern
- Director of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Brooke Ward
- Clinical Coordinator of Sonography Lindsay Harris
- Associate Professor of Nursing Amelia Hopper
- Associate Professor of Nursing Melissa Romaneschi
- Assistant Professor Rachel Cheek
- Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education for Respiratory Care Stacie Fox
Additionally, four resident physicians donated their time to a panel discussion with the students. Representatives from the Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita and Wichita State University also participated.
Krichia Tennyson is a teacher and pre-med chair for The Independent School. She eagerly accompanied her students at the camp as they previewed various health care careers.
“The camp introduced our students to the diverse range of health care professions, educated them about the requirements and opportunities in these fields and inspired them to consider pursuing careers in health care,” Tennyson said.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Introduction to Health Care Professions Camp,” she said. “Our students came away with a wealth of knowledge.”
Advanced standing students and Newman University
Tennyson explained that The Independent School strives to provide the best education possible that fits the needs of each student. By partnering with Newman, the students are better prepared for their higher education experiences and future careers.
“By providing college-level courses and opportunities to earn college credits, students can gain a head start on their academic journey, potentially reducing the time and cost required to complete their degrees,” she continued. “Additionally, our partnership can help students develop important skills such as critical thinking, research abilities and independent learning, which are valuable in college and beyond.”
Although The Independent School is one of several high schools with an advanced standing partnership with the university, it is the first to implement the health care professionals track.
“This partnership means that Newman has added to the family of advanced standing,” Davis said. “It is a new start for our pre-med students to call Newman University home for the next four years once they are officially admitted as college students.”
She added, “I am excited to welcome The Independent School and its students to advanced standing.”
Newman School of Healthcare Professions
The School of Healthcare Professions at Newman University provides education for professional programs in health care.
