ITCH: Inspiring the Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals

Empowering youth in Maryland’s Mid-Shore region to explore and enter healthcare careers.

ITCH provides programming, mentoring, experiential learning, and scholarship guidance to promote entry into healthcare careers for young people in the Mid-Shore region.

Why a Career in Healthcare

• Projected Job Growth: The job growth rate for skilled healthcare workers exceed that of every other US industry.

• Future Job Creation: New healthcare jobs will account for 33% of all jobs created in the next few years.

• Aging Population: An aging US population increases the need for healthcare services while at the same time healthcare workers are retiring.

• Advancements: Medical and technological advancements create new opportunities.

• Job Openings: An estimated 1.8 million job openings are projected each year for the next 10 years.

• Local Opportunities: UM Shore Regional Health's new hospital in Easton is scheduled to open in 2028 and will need staff!

What Kinds of Careers Do We Explore?

The possibilities are endless, a few may include:

• Physicians
• Registered Nurse
• Nurse Practitioners
• Certified Nursing Assistants
• EMT/Paramedics
• Mental Health Practitioners
• Respiratory Health Practitioners
• Cardiac Sonographers
• Physical Therapists
• Physician Assistants
• Radiologists
• Radiology Technicians
• Pharmacists
• Pharmacy Technicians
• Social Workers
• Lab Technologists and Technicians
• Dental Practitioners
• Veterinary Medicine Practitioners
• And many more!

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Programs and Events Offered by ITCH

Career Clubs

Career Clubs are hosted by University of Maryland Shore Regional Health and are available at five county locations: Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's, and Talbot.

All students between the ages of 14 and 18 are welcome to participate in Career Clubs. This includes individuals attending public, private, and parochial schools, as well as home-schooled students.

Career Club operates two sessions each year, with meetings held one night per month. The fall session takes place from September through January, while the spring session runs from February through June.

Meetings are scheduled from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. It is important that students are picked up no later than 8:00 PM.

Each county location has a registration limit of 20 students. Registration is offered on a first come, first served basis.

Career and Resource Fair Participation

ITCH is available to participate in Career Fairs and Resource Fairs upon request. For organizations or individuals interested in including ITCH in these events, please reach out to the leadership team. All inquiries and requests for participation should be directed to the team via email at info@itchmed.org.

Classroom Presentations

ITCH offers classroom presentations for educational organizations seeking to gain understanding of the role of ITCH in promoting healthcare careers. Presentations can be scheduled upon request, providing an interactive opportunity for students to learn directly from ITCH representatives.

Organizations or educators interested in hosting a classroom presentation are encouraged to contact ITCH's leadership team. All inquiries and requests for participation should be directed to the team via email at info@itchmed.org.

After School Program Modules

For organizations interested in offering after school programs, ITCH can share modules created to provide a basic introduction to healthcare careers. These modules are specifically designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of careers in healthcare. By implementing these resources, organizations can introduce participants to the variety of opportunities available within the healthcare field.

For further details on how ITCH can support organizations or individuals in planning and organizing an after-school program, please contact the leadership team. All inquiries and requests for participation should be directed to the team via email at info@itchmed.org.

Speakers on Specific Healthcare Careers

ITCH can assist organizations or schools in the Mid-Shore region of the Eastern Shore in finding professionals to speak about specific healthcare careers paths. Whether you are seeking insight into a particular role within the healthcare industry or wish to provide students or participants with firsthand knowledge from experienced practitioners, ITCH is available to facilitate these connections. These brief presentations can be offered during flex time, class time, or lunch and learn.

For those interested in arranging for a speaker on a specialized healthcare topic, please contact the ITCH leadership team. All inquiries and requests should be directed via email at info@itchmed.org.

Presentations to Organizations on ITCH

The ITCH leadership team is available to attend organization meetings and provide informative presentations about ITCH. These sessions are designed to help organizations gain a clear understanding of ITCH's mission, initiatives, and the opportunities offered through its programs. By attending these meetings, the leadership team ensures that participants have the chance to learn about ITCH directly from its core members, ask questions, and engage in meaningful discussions about how ITCH can support their educational or organizational goals.

To arrange a presentation or to find out more about how ITCH can collaborate with your organization, please contact the leadership team. All inquiries and requests for participation should be directed via email at info@itchmed.org.