Healthcare guide helps students explore high-demand careers

Healthcare is one of the largest and fastest-growing employment sectors in Oceana County, with a complex and wide array of potential career pathways. 

“The College Access Networks of Oceana and Mason counties have partnered to create the Healthcare Pathways West Michigan Career Guide, a resource designed to help students explore healthcare careers that align with their interests and goals, but that they may not yet be aware of,” states a press release from the Oceana College Access Network (OCAN). 

“This guide highlights high demand occupations with a strong projected growth across west Michigan, outlining the educational requirements, training opportunities, and more. The guide is divided into five pathways: Diagnostics and Testing, Therapeutic Services, Frontline Patient Care, Office Administration and Information Systems, and Specialized.

“As highlighted in the guide, high school students can get a jumpstart on learning within many careers by taking advantage of hands-on learning through Summit Tech Center, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program of the West Shore Educational Service District. The center offers courses for juniors and seniors from Mason, Oceana, Lake, and Manistee counties. Its health occupations program introduces students to healthcare careers, professionalism, anatomy, and patient care skills, while the allied health program prepares seniors for careers in the field through coursework in terminology, physiology, clinical skills, and in‑the‑field experiences.

“OCAN extends its sincere gratitude to the employers and community partners whose sponsorship made this guide possible. Their support helps ensure that students and community members have clear pathways to earning post-secondary credentials that strengthen Oceana County and the surrounding region’s workforce. Special thanks go to West Shore Community College, Michigan Works! West Central, Trinity Health, Corewell Health, Oceana County Medical Care Facility, West Shore Educational Service District, and the Michigan Center for Rural Health. We also want to thank the dedicated action team members whose time, insight, and collaboration shaped this resource. Their commitment plays a vital role in supporting local talent and building a stronger future for the community.

“The Healthcare Pathways West Michigan Career Guide will be used throughout the coming years in classrooms, counseling offices, career education, and post‑secondary planning sessions to help students explore high‑demand healthcare careers and understand the training required for each pathway,” the press release continues. “The guide is also available to the wider community, for healthcare providers to advocate for growth in their professional fields, or for adults looking to return to college or make a shift in their career path.”

Visit the OCAN website to explore the virtual guide: Plan – Oceana CAN!. Physical copies can be picked up at the Oceana Community Foundation office.

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