The Southeast Kentucky AHEC provides opportunities to learn more about about health careers, through presentations, shadowing experiences, and camps. 

For more information or to schedule a program contact:

Melissa Perry, Health Career Coordinator
email: mperry0036@kctcs.edu
McDowell ARH
P.O. Box 247, Route 122
McDowell, Kentucky  41647
Office Phone: (606) 377-3400, extension 214

Kristin Smith, Health Career Coordinator
email: ksmith0359@kctcs.edu
Lee County Vocational School
P.O. Box 1362, 960 Center Street
Beattyville, Kentucky  41311
(606) 464-0663

Tiffany Scott, Health Career Coordinator
email: tscott0024@kctcs.edu
Southeast Community & Technical College
700 College Drive
Cumberland, Kentucky  40823
(606) 589-3198

All classroom programs are provided at no cost and will accommodate any class in the 5th - 12th grade range. Students are exposed to a variety of health careers, health education topics and math and science enrichment activities throughout the programs.  Lesson plans will be provided to teachers and are developed using the Kentucky Department of Education Combined Curriculum Document (a sample lesson plan will be provided upon request)

    »  Health Career Enrichment Camp

The camp will introduce incoming freshmen and sophomore high school students to a variety of health careers.  Students will have the opportunity to observer health professionals at work; participate in a variety of hands-on activities, tour the University of Kentucky campus; visit a Gross Anatomy Lab; and participate in a variety of educational opportunities which will better prepare them for a healthcare career. Click here for the Health Career Enrichment Camp Brochure and application.

    »  Do You Have What It Takes?         

This series explores a variety of health careers from A to Z. Hands on activities and stimulating presentations introduce students to a wide range of careers in the field of health care. Students gain valuable information about specific health careers through innovative presentations.

   »  Guardians of Public Health       

This series of presentations cover the myriad of Public Health Careers that are available in health care today. Students learn about careers like epidemiology & emergency preparedness planning.

   »  DNA, Genetics & Forensics                                  

Hands on activities that supplement your DNA and Genetics curriculum. Activities like DNA necklaces, strawberry DNA extraction, and forensics activities make the topic fun and appealing to students. Activities are adaptable to any grade in the 5 - 12 range.

 »  Human Body Systems                                  

The immune, skeletal, nervous, muscular and respiratory systems are covered in this series with hands on activities and exciting presentations that also emphasize diseases specific to each system.

 »  Sensitivity to Aging                                                               

During the Sensitivity to Aging program, students get the opportunity to feel what it is like to get older. Students will experience the aches and pains of arthritis, hearing loss, and diminished sight, just to name a few. Students will learn about the vast number of careers available in geriatric care.

 »  What's an Epidemic                                  

This activity addresses the field of epidemiology while teaching students about infectious diseases, specifically HIV/AIDS.

 »  We All Use Math Everyday                                  

A variety of Math activities are provided to peak student's interest in Math. Students learn about the relevance of Math to everyday life as well as to careers that they may pursue in the future.

 »  Mix It Up Series                                  

This series consists of a variety of cultural diversity exercises including bullying, conflict resolution, self-esteem and other topics that focus on promoting diversity within health careers.

 »  Tobacco Kills and Careers that Heal                                  

Students will see first hand the effects that smoking can have on the body thru visuals such as Mr. Gross Mouth and the Jar of Tar. Students will learn about the risks associated with tobacco and about related careers such as Oncologists and Health Educators.

 »  You are What You Eat                                  

The program will cover the newly revised Food Pyramid. Students will participate in an activity to test their knowledge of the food groups by planning healthy meal selections at local area restaurants. The program will conclude with discussion of potential career choices related to nutrition and effective meal planning.

 »  The Untold Story of Addiction                                  

Students will be introduced to the untold story of addiction. The program includes a powerful video followed up with an experience with the Fatal Vision Goggles. Students will also learn about careers such as Drug/Alcohol Counselors and Social Workers.

 »  Be Health, Be Clean                                  

Students will have the opportunity to test their hand washing skills in this interactive program discussing germs. Students will learn about careers where hygiene is essential such as Surgeons and Surgical Techs. Discussion can also include Dental Health and related careers.

 »  Young Scholars After School Club                                

 The Southeast KY AHEC has the ability to initiate a Young Scholars Club in participating schools. The club is for eighth grade students who are interested in pursuing a health career. Students receive a t-shirt and a curriculum free of charge. Students must complete an application and have parental consent to participate. The club meets at least one time per month. It is recommended that the Young Scholars Club work with a school representative such as an 8th grade teacher or 21st Century Program Coordinator, who is willing to attend meetings and help recruit students, as well as sponsor the club. In addition, students and families participate in a family night and attend a science/health related field trip.

 »  Career and Health Fairs        

The Southeast Kentucky AHEC is eager to participate in Health and Career Fairs as well as other special events. Southeast KY AHEC is available to provide students, parents and teachers with information regarding the Southeast KY AHEC program as well as health career and health education information.

 »  Shadowing Experience
          High School and College Students

If a student has interest in a particular health field and would like to observe a professional in action, the Southeast Kentucky AHEC can arrange a shadowing experience.  The student will be scheduled to spend a day with a person working in various health careers-- physical therapy, occupational therapy, emergency room services, family physicians, radiology, nursing, medical laboratory, dietary, etc.  This experience is an excellent way for the student to see what really goes on in the health care field.  Click HERE to find out what students are saying about their shadowing experience.