USC Salkehatchie, in collaboration with Lowcountry AHEC, hosted a Health Careers Exploration Day for students from multiple regional high schools. The event offered a comprehensive overview of various healthcare professions and the educational pathways needed to pursue them.

Participants took part in several interactive sessions that included a mini-lecture, a healthcare careers Kahoot game led by current nursing students, virtual reality simulations, and hands-on tours of the nursing simulation lab. A complimentary lunch was provided by Lowcountry AHEC and took place in Marvin Park. A key highlight of the day was a presentation from the CARE Flight medical team (a paramedic and a nurse) followed by a fly-in from the Meducare medical helicopter. Students had the opportunity to look inside the aircraft and speak one-on-one with the highly trained crew members, learning about how they handle emergency care and transport of critically-ill patients across the Lowcountry.

"USC Salkehatchie is dedicated to growing and supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals," said Anna Carol Ptacin, interim nursing program manager. “This collaborative event provided students with a broad overview of opportunities and some essential hands-on experiences, hopefully inspiring students to pursue meaningful careers that meet the healthcare needs of our rural communities. We are grateful for our partners at Lowcountry AHEC who made this event possible.”

Jalacy Green, health careers program coordinator at Lowcountry AHEC, partnered with Ptacin in planning the event. “We are delighted to partner with USC Salkehatchie for an invaluable opportunity for high school students in our Health Careers Program,” said Green. “This initiative is designed to immerse students in the vibrant environment of USC Salkehatchie, where they can discover a range of health career pathways. We believe this experience will inspire and equip students with the knowledge and resources needed to pursue their passions in the healthcare field.”

USC Salkehatchie plays a vital role in creating accessible pathways to healthcare education by offering the first two years of various healthcare-related degree programs. This event served as an important introduction to the opportunities available and highlighted the foundational education that students can begin at USC Salkehatchie.