Information for
High School Students

High school or college students should speak with a career or guidance counselor as soon as the interest in healthcare begins to crystallize. At El Centro College, make an appointment to talk with a counselor (214.860.2084). Bring any information you have collected on careers with you and take the results of any vocational preference tests with you. Ask questions such as:

• Are there are any other tests that might help?
• Is there a computer-based program available for career searches?
• What reading or resource materials are available?

Most healthcare occupations require a grounding in science, particularly biology, chemistry and physics, as well as math. All require good communication skills. Many of the individual El Centro College health career program pages have suggestions for high school coursework that will help you prepare. It's important to your success to be as prepared for as you can be.

If you are thinking about a health career, try to spend time in the actual work place. You might work as a volunteer in a hospital or nursing home. Nothing can take the place of experience in the actual work place.

Conduct some career interviews. The program coordinators and instructors at El Centro have all worked in their professions. They can discuss career options with you. They may also be able to set up an appointment with a working professional so that you may spend some time with them on the job. There is no better way to learn about a career than to talk with someone who works in the position you are striving to reach. Prepare to talk to them by writing down your questions. You may want to ask:

• How did you get into this career?
• What training have you had?
• Did you go to El Centro?
• What do you like best about this job? What don't you like?
• What are some of your usual daily duties?
• Do you have suggestions for me if I decide to pursue this career?

Last updated May 12, 2003