Student Healthcare Career Exploration Program

Are you a middle or high school student curious about a career in healthcare? The VMFH Student Healthcare Career Exploration Program offers a unique, hands-on opportunity to explore the many roles that make up the healthcare industry. Whether you’re interested in patient care, medical technology or behind-the-scenes operations, this program provides valuable exposure to real healthcare settings–helping you make informed decisions about your future.

Through up to eight hours of exploration and extended cohort field experiences, students observe clinical and non-clinical professionals in action at VMFH hospitals and clinics. From certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and respiratory therapists to biomedical engineers and healthcare IT specialists, this program opens doors to careers you may never have considered.

"We are reaching out on behalf of the Kitsap School District to express our sincere gratitude for the exceptional learning experience St. Michael Medical Center provided to our students. Your dedication and hard work in delivering such an invaluable resource for our students have not gone unnoticed. We truly appreciate the time and effort you and your team have invested."  – Kitsap School District Partner

Joining the VMFH Student Healthcare Career Exploration Program gives you:

• Real-world Experience–Step inside a hospital or clinic and see what it’s really like to work in healthcare.

• Networking Opportunities–Connect with professionals who can offer mentorship and career insights.

• Informed Decision-making–Explore different healthcare careers to find the best fit for your interests.

• Inspiration and Motivation–Witness the impact of healthcare workers and see how you could make a difference.

• Resume & College Application Boost–Show initiative and career focus by adding this experience to your portfolio.

• Community Engagement–Discover the vital role of healthcare institutions in supporting the well-being of communities.

• Pathway to a Healthcare Career–VMFH’s program is part of a larger effort to introduce students to healthcare careers early, helping to build a strong future workforce.

"I wanted to thank you for my clinical shadowing experience on Friday. It was very interesting to see the behind-the-scenes work at St. Anne's and has made me view healthcare and hospitals in a new light. If Virginia Mason has any more shadowing opportunities, or especially internships available over the summer, please keep me in mind, I would be happy to apply." – Student participant

Who Can Apply?

Middle and high school students who are interested in exploring healthcare careers.

How to Apply

Interested students should apply through their school. Schools must have a Healthcare Educational Agreement with VMFH before participation. Schools can contact VMFHcareerexplorers@commonspirit.org to set up an agreement and coordinate career exploration experiences.

Program Requirements

• Students must submit all required paperwork, including confidentiality agreements and safety compliance forms.

• Career exploration experiences are non-patient facing for safety and privacy reasons.

• Students are responsible for their own transportation or arrive via arranged school transportation.

“It was really cool to see all different types of people with different degree levels all working together and toward the same goal. I saw office staff, CMAs, RNs and MDs, and they really all contributed. I do see myself working in a healthcare environment and it's reassuring to know I have different pathways.” – Student participant

VMFH is committed to mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals. This program is more than just a learning experience–it’s an investment in the future of healthcare.

If you’re interested in a career in healthcare, this is your chance to step inside the industry and experience it firsthand.

Schools & Students: Get started today! Contact us at VMFHcareerexplorers@commonspirit.org.