High school students interested in a career in the medical field are often limited in what they are able to pursue during their K-12 education.

At best, preparation for pre-med college courses often includes a variety of advanced math and science classes, as well as hospital volunteering.

However, thanks to partnerships with Lakeland Hospital and Lake Michigan College, Niles Community Schools students are able to take a deep dive in their areas of medical interest through the Professional Health Careers Academy.

The program, led by PHCA and Allied Health Instructor Angie Mann, offers Niles students the ability to earn dual credit for high school and college, while immersing themselves in the hospital setting. Students enrolled in PHCA have diverse medical interests and spend the school year working side-by-side with professionals in at least seven areas of interest.

In recent weeks, PHCA students participated in a mock disaster drill with the city of Niles.

Imagine this: a semi-truck gets in an accident, flips over and dangerous chemicals spill across the road. Other vehicles crash into the semi-truck and are also exposed, along with the gawking bystanders.

The scene was set, and Niles police, firefighters and EMS responded. PHCA students, cast as victims and patients, were brought to the hospital and treated, as though it was a true emergency situation. The experience was a phenomenal first-hand account for our students, who were “treated” by actual emergency department staff in their preparations for a community disaster. 

Inside the classroom, Niles PHCA students also recently achieved certifications in both Basic Cardiac Life Support and First Aid. These three- to four-hour certifications often require time and training outside of school, and are essential practices to master for any career in the industry.

PHCA students received additional hands-on experience and tested for heart defects in teens when they performed the electrocardiogram portion of a cardiac screening event at a high school in Indiana on Nov. 14. Our PHCA program was honored to be asked by the Play for Jake Foundation to participate in the event, and it is a true testament to the preparation of our students. 

These incredible opportunities are just a few examples of the vast curriculum the PHCA offers, not to mention the wonderful support our students and schools receive from dedicated community partners. During their time in the program, students will also learn medical, legal and ethical responsibilities, biology, communications/medical terminology, patient assessment, teamwork, theories surrounding health care and more.

Through PHCA, students are taking an active role in preparing to become the medical experts of the future, and our community as a whole is sure to be better for it.

Parents or students with questions on the PHCA program or with potential learning opportunities for PHCA students can contact Angie Mann via email at angie.mann@nilesschools.org.

Dr. Dan Applegate is superintendent at Niles Community Schools.