Each year, Lakewood Health System hosts students for a paid summer job-shadow opportunity, available to any student who has completed his/her junior or senior year of high school and is enrolled as a post-secondary student with current or planned healthcare career coursework. This year, there are 19 students in the program. Lakewood Health System providers and staff teach students about daily job functions, schooling requirements and career opportunities within areas of the students’ interests. Students often receive hands-on experience while working in each department.

Above: The team this year includes, front row, left to right: Turner Johnson and Tanner Roberts. Second row: Tyson Bell, Leighton Griffith, David Oliver, Samantha Saeber, Emilia Dellacecca, Ally Hunstad and Zach Israelson. Back row: Logon Sevendsrud, Jonathan Kohlhase, Trend Schwartz, Lindsey Duncan, Hallie Denning, Faith Kern and Kelly Reese. Not pictured: Erin Houselog, Greg Flickinger and Josh Leprince.

Through this internship opportunity, students are afforded the opportunity to see behind-the-scenes, and also learn about some of the non-traditional careers that are available in healthcare. Karen Treangen, RN, is the clinical instructor at Lakewood Health System. She works with each student to customize schedules based on their interests. Students are chosen through an application process. Program brochures and applications are sent each year to area school counselors for distribution. (Submitted photo)