October 22, 2009

Cowley hosts second annual Medical Careers Day

Getting an opportunity to learn about medical programs and degrees offered by Cowley College, 33 students took part in the school’s Medical Careers Day held Wednesday at the Allied Health Center in Winfield.

The turnout was nearly twice as large as the number of people that took part in the school’s first Medical Careers Day held last year. Those attending were made up of high school students, displaced area workers, and some Cowley College students.

“It was great to see this many people interested in healthcare,” said Chris Cannon, Allied Health Department Chair/director of EMS Education. “To be able to get them the information they need to be successful is a good day for me.”

The day consisted of a tour of the Allied Health Center, an overview of the Allied Health programs, and medical careers presentations provided by Butler County EMS, Butler County Paramedic Unit, Winfield Area EMS, Arkansas City Fire Department and EMS, William Newton Memorial Hospital, Hospice of Kansas, and the Pratt Nursing program.

“The support we received for this event from our local organizations was outstanding,” Cannon said.

Cowley College Natural Science Department Chair, Michelle Schoon; Lead MICT instructor, Cindy Branscum; admissions representative, Rikki Hettenbach; and nursing coordinator, Janet Bogle, were among the Cowley employees on hand to help with the event. While Cowley adjunct instructors, Travis Morin (Winfield EMS) and Aaron Sutton (Hutchinson Lifeteam Base) also provided information at the event.

There was also Career Fair booths set up displaying information about specific programs for the students to view.

Cannon plans on making Medical Careers Day an annual event, and is considering having the event in the spring as well.

“I am already looking forward to the next one,” Cannon said.