Explore
Our Careers
As part of our program, Juniors and Seniors in high school get the chance to experience “a day in the life” of talented professionals in an exceptional health care environment. Participants learn and develop transferable skills through real-world work. Most importantly, graduates of our program are more confident about their future career choices.
Program
Description
Orientation & Exploration
This phase takes place over the initial four weeks during the student’s junior year, and includes:
- Rotating among 12 clinical and non clinical departments within the organization.
- A presentation each week by various mentors/leaders from different disciplines.
- Hearing the career options, specific roles and educational requirements for each discipline.
- A tour of the area where the presenter works within the hospital.
At the end of this phase, students choose a specialty to further explore.
Mentorship
After choosing a career path, the student is paired with a mentor who will work with them for the remainder of the program. This phase includes:
- Establishing a set working schedule.
- Exploring different careers within the set specialty.
- Being assigned tasks that help students learn and grow.
- Completing evaluations.
- Beginning to plan for the project phase.
Internship & Project
The third phase begins during a student’s senior year of high school. During this phase, students intern within the department of their mentor. As an intern, students are expected to complete a total of four work hours per week until they have reached a minimum of 32 hours. This phase also includes:
- Scheduling and meeting check-ins with assigned mentor.
- Observing roles and responsibilities to determine a project opportunity.
- Presenting the project idea to counselor and mentor for approval or adjustments.
Project Presentation
During phase four, students implement their project with the support of their mentor. Then, the project is presented to a group of peers and Hackensack Meridian Health staff. After the presentation, the student has completed the program.
Orientation and Exploration
This phase takes place over the initial four weeks during the student’s junior year, and includes:
- Rotating among 12 clinical and non clinical departments within the organization.
- A presentation each week by various mentors/leaders from different disciplines.
- Hearing the career options, specific roles and educational requirements for each discipline.
- A tour of the area where the presenter works within the hospital.
At the end of this phase, students choose a specialty to further explore.
Mentorship
After choosing a career path, the student is paired with a mentor who will work with them for the remainder of the program. This phase includes:
- Establishing a set working schedule.
- Exploring different careers within the set specialty.
- Being assigned tasks that help students learn and grow.
- Completing evaluations.
- Beginning to plan for the project phase.
Internship and Project
The third phase begins during a student’s senior year of high school. During this phase, students intern within the department of their mentor. As an intern, students are expected to complete a total of four work hours per week until they have reached a minimum of 32 hours. This phase also includes:
- Scheduling and meeting check-ins with assigned mentor.
- Observing roles and responsibilities to determine a project opportunity.
- Presenting the project idea to counselor and mentor for approval or adjustments.
Project Presentation
During phase four, students implement their project with the support of their mentor. Then, the project is presented to a group of peers and Hackensack Meridian Health staff. After the presentation, the student has completed the program.
Testimonials
Application
Process
To apply for the Hackensack Meridian Health H.S. Academy for Career Exploration, students must partner with their guidance counselors and ensure the below requirements are met:
- Letter of Recommendation from Teacher/Advisor
- Essay on career interest (approximately 300 - 500 words) explaining why the student would like to join the Exploration Program at Hackensack Meridian Health
- Respectable attendance record
- Transcripts of high school career up to date
For more information or inquiries, please email us at: HSAcademy@hackensackmeridian.org
Students must also supply a series of documents along with their application. These forms are meant to be submitted to Guidance Counselors only, and maintained by the schools. The documents include:
- Health Clearance Attestation Form
- Parental Consent Form
- Confidentiality Statement
- Fill out the Student Survey
Guidance Counselors should click here to review the Guidance Counselors Playbook.
ApplyTo apply for the Hackensack Meridian Health H.S. Academy for Career Exploration, students must partner with their guidance counselors and ensure the below requirements are met:
- Letter of Recommendation from Teacher/Advisor
- Essay on career interest (approximately 300 - 500 words) explaining why the student would like to join the Exploration Program at Hackensack Meridian Health
- Respectable attendance record
- Transcripts of high school career up to date
For more information or inquiries, please email us at: HSAcademy@hackensackmeridian.org
Students must also supply a series of documents along with their application. These forms are meant to be submitted to Guidance Counselors only, and maintained by the schools. The documents include:
- Health Clearance Attestation Form
- Parental Consent Form
- Confidentiality Statement
- Fill out the Student Survey
Guidance Counselors should click here to review the Guidance Counselors Playbook.
ApplyOur Network
There are multiple advantages to beginning your career exploration with us:
35,343 Team Members
4 of our hospitals are ranked in the top 10 of NJ
At Hackensack Meridian Health, you will be growing and exploring in a supportive and truly exceptional environment.