K-12 Programs

Central Iowa AHEC programs are designed to introduce elementary, middle, and high school students to a variety of health, science and medical careers through presentations, job shadow experiences, service-learning projects, hospital/clinics tours and enrichment camps.

Presentations

Central Iowa AHEC provides a variety of health care career presentations created to serve the specific needs of students. Through engaging, group participation presentations, students learn about the diverse career opportunities available in health care and the necessary skills and training needed to enter the workforce.

Hospital Tours

Hospital tours offer students who are interested in the health care profession the opportunity to visit local hospitals to observe jobs performed in various departments within a hospital setting. Through hospital tours, students gain a realistic perspective on some of the career choices they may be considering.

Job Shadows

Job Shadowing provides students experiences to work with actual health care professionals. Such opportunities allow students to explore and "try on" various health care careers. If you are interested in Central Iowa AHEC identifying and securing your job shadow experience, please fill out the Student Job Shadow Application and return it to Jill Whitson, Central Iowa AHEC, 1801 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50314 or you may fax it to 515-282-3893.

YHSC (Youth Health Service Corp)

The Youth Health Service Corps (YHSC), for high school students, increases awareness of health careers through hands-on experience and service learning projects. YHSC members work together on creating and facilitating health projects in their own communities.

Health Careers Camps

YES MED (Youth in Science and Medicine) Camp allows students from Central Iowa to live the life of Des Moines University medical students for five days, participating in hands-on activities, labs and lectures that focus on the fundamentals of science in conjunction with today's current medical practices. Check out these videos to learn more about YES MED and see what students did this summer at YES MED Camp.

Health Careers Explorer Post 141

The Health Careers Exploring Post 141 Program is sponsored by the Des Moines University and The Boy Scouts of America. The purpose is to help high school youth identify the field of medicine that most appeals to them. To do this, experts introduce their specialty, visit the Post members to discuss their personal experiences in medicine and give them hands-on experience in their fields of expertise. Watch this slideshow to see all the exciting things Post members did this year.