High Schoolers Check Out CHS During 'Day in the Life'

Dozens of high school students and their families explored the many paths available in healthcare at the University of Kentucky’s College of Health Sciences during “A Day in the Life,” on Sept. 25, on UK’s campus in Lexington.

Hosted by CHS, the event is designed to give prospective students an immersive look at undergraduate programs that prepare graduates to serve patients and communities across the Commonwealth and beyond.

And judging by the turnout, it seemed it was definitely a success.

"High school is a time of exploration, discovery, and imagining what's possible," said Sarah Kercsmar, PhD, MHA, chair of the Department of Health and Clinical Sciences and certificate director for the Clinical Healthcare Certificate program. "We were thrilled to welcome students to A Day in the Life and give them the opportunity to experience the wide range of healthcare careers represented in our programs. Our hope is that seeing these professions firsthand helps students gain a clearer sense of where their interests and talents might fit in the future."

The day featured welcome sessions introducing students to undergraduate programs in Clinical Leadership and Management, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Human Health Sciences and Medical Laboratory Science. Attendees heard directly from current students during a panel discussion and had opportunities to ask questions anonymously.

Participants also learned about living-learning programs, undergraduate research opportunities and education abroad experiences. Interactive choice sessions in the afternoon gave students a closer look at specialized facilities and clinical environments, including Kentucky Clinic facilities, the Communication Sciences and Disorders Clinic and the Medical Laboratory Science lab, where demonstrations such as blood typing may be showcased.

“Whether students see themselves as healthcare administrators, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, medical laboratory scientists, physical therapists, or physician assistants, the need for these careers in the Commonwealth and beyond has never been greater,” Kercsmar said.

Interested in learning more? Please contact Amanda Hale at amanda.hale@uky.edu.