The Health Career Investigators (HCI) program is a fun, multi-day, experiential program for high school students, just like you. See the future of health care today! This year’s HCI program highlights the “High Tech-High Touch” world of health care. As a Health Career Investigator, you will have hands-on experience with the latest technologies, virtual simulators, and state-of-the-art equipment. At the same time, you will learn the “high-touch” personal skills and qualities necessary as a dentist, nurse, physical therapist, medical doctor, or other health care professional.
The best time to start preparing for a health career is while you are in high school. If you are motivated, involved, doing well in school and are interested in a health career that requires a college degree or more, then HCI is a great fit for you.
Read this fun and descriptive article published in the Minnesota Daily about last year's HCI program!
Health Career Investigators (HCI)
Two-Day Program
Why should I apply for the HCI program?
Lots of reasons. If you are interested in a health career, especially dentistry, nursing, medicine, veterinary medicine, or pharmacy, HCI will give you a real chance to learn more about that career, and the academics that will get you into a health professions school. You will get to know the University of Minnesota campus and meet health care professionals and students.
If you are interested in public health, click here for HCI: Special Edition - Public Health.
Who can attend?
HCI is open to any high school student who will be entering grades 9, 10, or 11 and has a strong GPA (3.0 minimum GPA). Ideal applicants are high school students who are taking college prep classes, upper-level math and science courses, and plan to apply to a four-year college/university.
Last year, we had students from over 21 high schools. Students who attended HCI came alone, with siblings, with classmates, and with friends. HCI is a fun and welcoming program where you can meet new people and make new friends.
When are the next sessions and what is the overall schedule?
June 12-13 and June 26-27 are the 2007 dates for the two-day HCI programs. The programs typically begin at 8:30 a.m., but students should arrive around 8:15 a.m. to check-in, grab some breakfast, and get settled. The program usually ends at 4:00 p.m., so make any ride arrangements to accommodate that end time!
Can I attend more than one session?
No. You would only want to attend one of the HCI two-day sessions, since they are basically the same. However, HCI: Special Edition - Public Health has a different focus than the two-day HCI sessions, highlighting public health and prevention of illness and injury.
Can I apply for more than one session?
Yes. We encourage you to apply for both HCI sessions. That way if one of the sessions is full, you are more likely to get into the other session.
What kinds of things will I be doing during these two days?
You will have a variety of opportunities to use your brain and your hands. Practice your health care skills on “Sim Man” (a robotic patient) and a simulated mouth in the dental lab. Watch a live surgery and visit the experimental surgery lab where you can practice giving shots, suturing (making stitches) and other hands-on activities. Students and health professionals from many different careers will talk with you about their career and what it is really like to be a health care professional.
Are there overnight accommodations?
No. You are responsible for any overnight accommodations.
Where is the program held?
The program is held at the Health Careers Center, University of Minnesota. The Health Careers Center is in Moos Health Sciences Tower on the East bank of the Minneapolis campus. If you are accepted into the program you will receive detailed information about transportation and parking options.
Who should I contact with questions?
Contact the Health Careers Center by calling 612-624-6767 or emailing hcc@umn.edu.
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