On February 22, students, faculty and staff attended the Career Advancement Academy’s (CAA) sixth Discover Healthcare Panel. The panel, held every semester, is a component of CAA’s Allied Health program, designed for students interested in exploring San Mateo County Community College District’s healthcare programs, health pathways, and careers in healthcare. The Allied Health Student Panel, moderated by Paul Rueckhaus (Allied Health Faculty for the Career Advancement Academy), featured several former Career Advancement Academy students along with students from across the San Mateo County Community College District’s healthcare Programs.
Our distinguished student guest panelists offered practical advice and key insights on program preparation and expectations, working in the health field, and balancing life and family as a full-time allied health student in a rigorous program.
Chloe Tinio, a returning panelist, graduated from the College of San Mateo’s nursing program in May 2016 and is currently completing her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Grand Canyon University. Melissa Duenas is a current student in Skyline’s Surgical Technology program, who is also pursuing nursing and would like to become a nurse practitioner. Rebecca Campos, a CAA alumni, is in her first year in Skyline’s Respiratory Care program. Dennis Martinez is a second year student in Cañada College’s Radiological Technology program and plans to transfer to San Francisco State University and continue his education in becoming a radiologist technologist. Mary Lynn and Stefanie Wang, are current students in College of San Mateo’s dental assisting program.
Our accomplished panelists helped current, first semester CAA Allied Health students gain a deeper understanding of their next level allied health program and their future path in Healthcare. After the panel, the panelist and program staff were on hand to network with the student audience, answer questions, and share additional insights.
We extend a very special thanks to our esteemed panelists, the CAA team, and event supporters including: Paul Rueckhaus, Beth LaRochelle, Rafael Rivera and the many others who helped plan, organize, and host this successful event.
To learn more about careers in Allied Health and the Allied Health Career Advancement Academy please visit our website or email skycaa@smccd.edu
Article and Photo by Jeremy Evangelista
