Students explore wide range of careers at hospital PATH day

Students from Lovell, Rocky Mountain and Burlington high schools spent a day at North Big Horn Hospital and the New Horizons Care Center recently, gaining a new perspective on careers in healthcare.

District No. 1 students visited on Tuesday, March 31, Lovell students on April 1.

What many of them discovered is that working in a hospital involves far more than becoming a doctor or nurse. Through the PATH Career Day program, students were introduced to a wide variety of careers, many of which they had never considered before.

Lovell High School counselor Tawnya Teter said the experience opened students’ eyes.

“It was absolutely amazing. Our kids loved it,” Teter said. “A lot of them had no idea about the number of careers in a hospital. Some thought it was just doctors and nurses, but when they got there, it really opened doors. They realized there’s so much more, from maintenance and facilities to all kinds of support roles.”

Teter said one of the most valuable parts of the day was seeing students connect with careers they hadn’t previously considered.

“They were like, ‘Whoa, there’s a ton of stuff here to do,’” she said. “It was really fun to watch.”

Rocky Mtn. High School counselor Tim Jones added, “Our freshmen enjoyed learning about the wide variety of career opportunities available in healthcare. The hospital staff and presenters were friendly and helpful, making it a great experience for our students.”

Sally Bernhisel, career coordinator for Big Horn County School District No. 1, said the program has been a valuable opportunity for students over the past two years.

“The day is well-designed and engaging, with students rotating through a variety of departments and participating in hands-on activities,” Bernhisel said. “From working through scenarios in the emergency room to exploring physical therapy and interacting with informative booths, students are not just observing, they are actively learning.”

She credited hospital staff for creating a meaningful experience.

“Kirsten Bryson and her team clearly put a great deal of thought into creating opportunities that are both educational and engaging,” Bernhisel said. “The presenters are knowledgeable, approachable and do an excellent job connecting with students.”

Bernhisel added that one of the biggest strengths of the program is the broad range of careers represented.

“Students are able to see the full scope of what it takes to run a hospital, from fiscal services and maintenance to surgeons and respiratory therapists,” she said. “That wide exposure helps students better understand where their interests might fit and allows them to begin picturing themselves in a future career.”

Overall, the experience left a strong impression on students, offering a real-world look at career opportunities and helping them see possibilities they may not have considered before.