Tidelands Health to participate in unique career expo for eighth graders in Myrtle Beach
Tidelands Health is giving eighth graders a chance to explore the range of career options in health care at a unique, interactive expo this month in Myrtle Beach.
The health system is the presenting sponsor and organizer of the health science pathway at the Pathways 2 Possibilities career expo Feb. 22-23 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. About 8,000 eighth graders from 10 South Carolina counties plan to attend, including students from Horry, Georgetown and Williamsburg counties. Presented by the Frances P. Bunnelle Foundation, Pathways 2 Possibilities offers 19 career pathways for students to explore.
As leader of the health science pathway, Tidelands Health is coordinating efforts among nearly a dozen organizations to help students learn about the range of career opportunities in the health care field. Students who stop by the health care area at the expo will be able to learn about nearly two dozen health care specialties, including infection control, orthopedics and surgical services.
Students are encouraged to engage in a number of hands-on activities related to the health care field, including viewing X-rays, learning CPR, practicing physical therapy techniques and more.
“Almost as much as the students, our dedicated team members enjoy the unique, interactive approach offered at Pathways 2 Possibilities,” said Caitlyn Krask, student program manager at Tidelands Health. “Our team is eager to share our passion for helping people live better lives through better health with these students. Students are drawn to the interactive activities, which are a fun way to learn and spark their interest in a health care career.”
The health system’s role at Pathways 2 Possibilities is part of its ongoing strategy to recruit and develop the next generation of health care workers. Tidelands Health offers several programs for students, mentorship opportunities and other ways to learn alongside team members and behind the scenes.
“As our health system expands along with our fast-growing region in the coming years, our need for nurses, physicians, lab technicians and more will grow, too,” Krask said. “We want to identify talented and passionate young students early and help them develop a career path so we have a pipeline filled with skilled professionals to meet the health care needs of our community for years to come.”