Saint Hubert Catholic High School for Girls recently hosted a Jefferson Health-sponsored Healthcare Careers in 1-2-3 Conference. The theme of the daylong symposium was “Healthcare for our Futures.”
Students in St. Hubert’s Healthcare Careers 1-2-3 program learned about the future of various facets of healthcare in the region from Jefferson Health’s Dr. Michelle Conley, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, and Tricia Nichols ’93, Patient Experience Director and member of the St. Hubert Board of Directors.
More than 50 students took part in a full day of immersive, hands-on learning with healthcare professionals from Jefferson Health. Held in recognition of Women’s History Month, the event highlighted the contributions of women in healthcare while providing students with exposure to a range of career pathways.
The program opened with remarks from Conley, followed by a keynote address from Nichols. Both speakers emphasized the importance of confidence, adaptability and perseverance, encouraging students to pursue their goals with purpose and an understanding that career journeys are often non-linear.
Students then participated in a panel discussion featuring healthcare professionals across multiple disciplines, including Heather Mills, Pathologist Aide; Kathleen Rayca, Speech Pathologist; Alex Bishop, Respiratory Therapist; and Lauren Varallo, Occupational Therapist.
Panelists provided insight into their respective fields, educational pathways and day-to-day responsibilities within the healthcare industry.
The symposium also included structured breakout sessions, offering students the opportunity to engage directly with professionals in smaller group settings. The sessions incorporated mentorship, skill-building activities and introductions to foundational clinical practices, including basic nursing skills, Stop the Bleed protocols and patient care techniques.
The three-step pathway connects St. Hubert, Manor College, Holy Family University and Jefferson Health. Academically eligible students will take two years of college-level courses at St. Hubert, taught by college professors. Jefferson and alumnae will provide scholarships and fees to cover college class tuition for eligible students. Additionally, Jefferson provides mentors, educational seminars, tours and career fairs. Upon successful completion of this programming, Jefferson will interview students for job placement at its regional hospitals. ••
