Virginia Western Community College hosted a one-day Health Professions Summit on Friday, February 28, 2025, welcoming 90 high school students from Salem, Roanoke, Roanoke County and Franklin County. The event aimed to provide students with hands-on experiences and realistic exposure to a range of healthcare professions.
Health Professions Dean Marty Sullivan welcomed the students, highlighting Virginia Western’s nine healthcare Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees and introductory Career Studies Certificates (CSCs). She emphasized the local demand for healthcare and biotechnology professionals. Pam Woody, an advisor for Virginia Western’s health professions programs, provided valuable insights into the competitive admissions process for healthcare programs. She offered tips to strengthen applications and interviews, advising students to avoid saying they are interested in healthcare simply because their parents suggested it.
Throughout the day, students rotated through six stations, spending 25 minutes at each. The stations included physical therapist assistant (PTA), occupational therapy assistant (OTA), radiology and radiation oncology, surgical technology, dental hygiene, and registered nursing. These interactive sessions allowed students to engage in activities that showcased the skills and knowledge required in each field.
Samuel Smith, a senior who took an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course last year at William Fleming High School, shared his experience. Currently enrolled in medical terminology, Samuel plans to continue his healthcare pursuits next year. He remarked, “Today has opened me up to the other fields that I didn’t know about. I didn’t know about surgical technology. I learned about pathways and prerequisites for programs like radiation oncology and radiography.”
Jess Truax, work-based learning coordinator for Roanoke City Public Schools, underscored the importance of events like this for students. “Field trips like this are important for students. Students see and encounter things they can’t experience in the classroom,” Truax said. “These experiences often open their eyes to careers they haven’t thought about, and this helps them refine their interests and career path. Virginia Western Community College is a great partner and a great avenue for students to get started in their chosen career path.”
Melissa Sullivan, faculty in the registered nursing program, noted the advantages high school students with prior medical experience bring to the two-year program. “High school students who come into the registered nursing program with prior medical experience, such as medical assisting, nurse aides, and EMTs, have a unique advantage. They’re already familiar with patient contact and often have those crucial communication skills nurses need to be successful. We spend a lot of time working on communication skills in the first year, and those experienced students help their classmates tremendously.”
