Celebrating High Schoolers' Achievement in Health Sciences

The School of Health Professions, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, recently held its 23rd annual student recognition ceremony for New Jersey high school participants in the Health Sciences Careers program.

This academic year, 821 seniors from 52 high schools throughout the state earned up to 31 college credits during their school day in preparation for careers in a health field.

Next year, 59 high schools are participating in the program, which provides school-to-college or school-to-career preparation for multiple health careers through a core curriculum emphasizing science, the human and organizational sides of health care, and the opportunity to earn college credit and clinical experience.

The program has grown enormously since it first began with just three high schools and 12 students. This past year, 3,113 high school juniors and seniors took classes such as Anatomy and Physiology, Emergency and Clinical Care, and Medical Mathematics.

Among those students were 1,636 seniors, 821 of whom collectively earned 6,388 credits. The average student takes eight credits; however, this year several students earned more than 31. One student, who participated in a grant pilot nutrition program, completed 34 college credits.

"As the health professions field continues to grow, so will its need for health professionals. Our program hopes to encourage high school students to enter the health field," said Suzanne D'Anna, director of the Rutgers School of Health Professions Health Sciences Careers program. "Introducing them to health sciences while in high school allows them to make informed decisions about their career paths."

Approximately 400 students attended the recognition event on June 9. Two outstanding achievers from each participating high school were awarded Certificates for Academic Excellence. Learn more here.