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June 20-29 marked the 25th anniversary of Glendale’s Health Careers Institute for High School Students (HCI), during which high school students from around Arizona are welcomed on campus to participate in hands-on training in a variety of healthcare career programs. This year, 63 sophomore, junior, and senior high school students traveled from all over Arizona to attend HCI so they could make an informed decision about pursuing a career in healthcare.
Student attendees were treated to hands-on labs, interactive lectures, and seminars concerning the following career paths and more:

• Biomedical Sciences
• Clinical Psychology
• Dental Medicine
• Nurse Anesthesia
• Occupational Therapy
• Optometry
• Osteopathic Medicine
• Perfusion/Cardiovascular Science
• Pharmacy
• Physical Therapy
• Physician Assistant Studies
• Podiatric Medicine
• Precision Medicine
• Public Health
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Veterinary Medicine

Throughout the 8-day program, the high school students got to explore various careers by participating in interactive workshops, such as:

• Human and Animal Anatomy
• Emergency Room Medicine and Ultrasound Skills
• Vital Signs and Patient Physical Exams
• Optometry: The Magic of Vision
• First Aid and Sports Medicine
• The Many Roles of a Pharmacist
• Occupational Therapy: Skills for the Job of Living
• A Day in the Life of a Veterinarian
• Cultural Humility in Medicine
• Venipuncture, Suturing, Intubation, and Other Clinical Skills

In these workshops, professors shared their expertise while 17 MWU student mentors taught skills and best practices to the high school students. 

Mentor Margaux Sarno, CDMA 2027, really valued her experience as a mentor. She explains, “I have always had a passion for educating others and being a guide for someone else. I wanted to be a mentor for HCI because I felt that I could help high school students navigate their way into a career in healthcare in the future.” 

She continues, “When I was in high school, I didn’t know about a lot of the different fields in healthcare until I got into college and started doing my research. I think it is crucial for those who want a future in healthcare to start exploring as soon as possible. The HCI program is a great way to get your foot in the door to explore your options, and what better way than to have a mentor who has done it already?”

On the last day of HCI, parents and family members were invited to campus for an open house, where they heard first-hand what the students learned throughout the program. The students performed skits to display their newfound knowledge, awards were given for completing the program, and photos and videos were shown to celebrate the students’ achievements.

Thanks to a grant from the HS Lopez Foundation, Azul Rangel, 16, was able to travel from south Tucson to attend HCI. She explains, “I absolutely loved the program and I truly miss it so, so much! It was my first time leaving Tucson in six years and my first time staying inside of a hotel. I am infinitely grateful for the HS Lopez Foundation for giving me the opportunity to make this happen!”

Azul continues, “I am also so incredibly grateful for my [school] counselors and teacher who accompanied me and helped me feel confident in myself!”

The 2025 edition of HCI will take place next July, and to anyone thinking of pursuing a career in healthcare, Margaux has some advice: “My biggest piece of advice to anyone who wants to pursue a healthcare career is that no matter how many more years of schooling it takes or the hardships you may face, it will be so worth it in the end. This journey requires a lot of dedication and commitment, but if it is something you truly want, you will and can do it. Your white coat will be waiting for you!”