“At Ecu Health, we are proud to be a leader in the progress of health care excellence and positively shape the future of the East of North Carolina,” said Brian FloydChief of the farm, ECU Health. “Thanks to initiatives like the Health Sciences Academy, we are developing and strengthening a pipeline of future health professionals while building the sustainable rural health care model.
Since its creation in 2000, the Health Sciences Academy has scored around 1,000 students per year, offering an exhibition to a wide range of health careers beyond doctors and nurses. Students take a minimum of six courses in the health sciences and acquire real world experience through the observation of jobs, internships, career exploration and volunteer opportunities in the health of ECU and other partner organizations. The program also focuses on the development of essential skills such as leadership, critical thinking, responsibility and communication. Students receive training in the professional label, the construction of curriculum vitae and the preparation of entrance exams in college, which makes them well prepared for their next steps.