On Thursday, October 20, over 50 guests attended the Career Advancement Academy’s (CAA) third ever Allied Health Panel. The event was a component of Discover Healthcare Day, an immersive full-day experience for students interested in exploring Skyline College healthcare programs, pathways, and careers. 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 Health Care 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. Jenny Zhang is a former Career Advancement Academy student who is currently in her first year of Skyline College’s Surgical Technology Program. Alyssa Lemelle is currently a second year student in Skyline’s Respiratory Therapy program. Amante Jones is a certified Emergency Medical Technician currently working on his associate’s degree for transfer. Chloe Tinio graduated from the College of San Mateo’s nursing program in May 2016. Richelle Caranto began her academic journey at Skyline College and is now in her first semester of the dental program at the College of San Mateo. The panelists helped current CAA Allied Health students and Discover Healthcare Day student visitors from 3rd Street Youth Center and Clinic gain a deeper understanding of their next level allied health program and their future pathway to an allied health career. 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.
This Allied Health Panel and Discover Healthcare Day was presented in partnership with the Skyline College Outreach Office and Campus Recruiter Lauren Ford. We extend a very special thanks to our esteemed panelists, the Outreach Office, CAA team, and event supporters including: Paul Rueckhaus, Courtney Mogg, Alice Erskine, Judith Crawford, Ray Hernandez, Beth LaRochelle, Rafael Rivera, and the many others who helped plan, organize, and host this successful event.
The event received generous support from The Career Advancement Academy and the Skyline College Outreach Office. 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 by Alina Varona | Photos by Lauren Ford
