Introduction to Careers in Healthcare (ITCH) is an organization that has been created to spark an interest in healthcare careers among middle and high school students. In turn this will support our community healthcare system by employing our local youth. It is hoped that once students are exposed to the wide array of careers, they will be able to follow a clear pathway that will lead to a successful completion of preparation for a career in healthcare. The vision of ITCH is to have students attend presentations through joining a Career Club. These clubs will be available throughout the Mid-Shore region during the school year. Sessions will meet monthly for a five-month period. They will run September through January and February through June. Programming will seek to introduce careers that students are interested in as well as professions they may not have considered. This will be achieved through guest speakers and tours. Elementary skills will also be taught during these sessions.

Students from all public, private, and parochial schools as well as those who are home schooled are encouraged to attend the Career Clubs. Club information and registration can be found on the ITCH website and will be distributed to school guidance and career counselors.

Once students complete a Career Club session, students will be introduced to opportunities for shadowing and internship/externships through the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health and other healthcare organizations/providers. Most organizations require students to be 16 years of age for shadowing. This program will help students define more clearly what they may be interested in by seeing professionals in action.

Another support in place is for students to be assigned a Career Buddy. It is highly recommended that students first complete the Career Club and have participated in a shadowing experience. This mentorship is designed to connect a student, who has very focused career goals, with a healthcare professional. This one-on-one relationship will serve as personal encouragement and support to strengthen the student’s engagement in their field of interest. Discussion points may include educational choices, professional challenges and rewards, and questions or concerns that the students may have regarding their field of interest. It is not intended to replace school or parental guidance for higher education entry. It is intended to give insight to aspects of their chosen field of study.

Lastly, ITCH has compiled an ongoing scholarship resource that can be accessed on our ITCH website www.itchmed.org/scholarships. Not all students will follow all steps of this Career Pathway, but it is the hope of the ITCH organization that we may help foster interest in healthcare careers and assist students reach their career goals.