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The middle school mentoring program in allied health: a proposed model
L S Gonzalez1, E H Kearns, S Lafferty
1Division of Communication Disorders, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40504-2605, USA. lsgonz01@pop.uky.edu
Journal of Allied Health
|June 30, 2000
Summary
This study outlines a mentoring program designed to introduce middle school students to allied health careers. The initiative aims to boost awareness of these professions as potential future career paths.
Area of Science:
- Health Professions Education
- Career Development
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Limited awareness of allied health professions among middle school students.
- Need for early career exposure to inform educational and vocational choices.
- Importance of diverse healthcare workforce pipeline development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design a mentoring program for middle school students.
- To increase awareness of allied health professions as viable career options.
- To provide a framework for implementing allied health career exploration initiatives.
Main Methods:
- Program design by participants in the Coalition for Allied Health Leadership.
- Focus on creating a structured mentoring experience.
- Development of a rationale and program structure for career awareness.
Main Results:
- A proposed mentoring program structure for allied health career awareness.
- Identification of key components for effective career exploration.
- Foundation laid for future program implementation and evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Early exposure to allied health careers is crucial for student awareness.
- Mentoring programs can effectively bridge the knowledge gap.
- The designed program offers a scalable model for similar initiatives.