On Thursday, February 23, over 30 guests attended the Career Advancement Academy’s (CAA) fourth ever Allied Health Panel. The panels, held every semester, are a component of CAA’s Allied Health program, designed for students interested in exploring San Mateo 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.
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. Amante Jones is a former Career Advancement Academy student, a certified Emergency Medical Technician, and currently working on his associate’s degree for transfer. Tyler Swift is currently a second semester student in Skyline College’s Surgical Technology program. Chloe Tinio graduated from the College of San Mateo’s nursing program in May 2016. Thuy Hoang and Lizet Martinez are both students in the Dental Assisting program at the College of San Mateo, and Alka Sharma is a first-year student in the Respiratory Care program at Skyline College. Upon completion, she hopes to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Care at Skyline College.
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, program directors, coordinators, and faculty from Surgical Careers, Medical Administrative Assisting, Allied Health, and Respiratory Care 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, Ray Hernandez, Alice Erskine, Bernadette Newland, Courtney Mogg, Beth LaRochelle, 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: Alina Varona | Photo: William Nacouzi
