Baltimore County Students Check In at Northwest Hospital

Through an innovative partnership between Baltimore County Public Schools and Northwest Hospital, about 40 highly-motivated middle school students from the Northwest Academy of Health Sciences magnet school went to the hospital to see and hear for themselves what’s involved in a wide-variety of health care jobs that they can consider for their own careers!

During 90 minutes, the students met with staff members from ten departments at Northwest Hospital to learn what each department does. The four is designed to spark their imaginations and to open up their minds to lesser-known health care jobs in addition to doctors and nurses.

This is all part of the Northwest Academy of Health Sciences’ partnership with Northwest Hospital…which began more than a year ago. The unique program is designed to provide the students with a strong curriculum and an in-depth look at health care careers including the education and training required to be successful.

Among the professionals they met were laboratory technicians, physical therapists, radiologists, security officers and central sterile employees.

This is the second year of the program which was created by Northwest Hospital and Baltimore County Public Schools. Students who complete the middle school program are guaranteed a spot in the Randallstown High School Academy of Health Professions…which also works with Northwest Hospital.

Program objectives include developing an integrated, immersive learning experience for students, helping them develop lasting relationships with health professionals at Northwest Hospital and involving their families, educators and communities in the process.

As part of the partnership, hospital staff members also visit the schools to share presentations, help with school activities and recruit students into the programs. Students also study and have hands-on experiences at the hospital with shadow days and lunch-and-learn sessions.

“These students are the future of health care as tomorrow’s leaders and innovators. Northwest Hospital wants to mentor, inspire and help them become doctors, nurses, pharmacists, technicians and researchers with a passion for their careers,” says Brian White, executive vice president of LifeBridge Health, Northwest Hospital’s parent company.