Week 1: Introduction to Healthcare Careers

• Topics

  • Overview of healthcare professions
  • Roles and responsibilities of different healthcare professionals
  • Job outlook and salary expectations

• Activities

  • Guest speaker from a healthcare professional
  • Group discussion on career goals and interests

• Assignments

  • Research and present on a chosen healthcare career

Week 2: Educational Pathways and Prerequisites

• Topics

  • Types of healthcare degrees and certifications
  • Prerequisite courses and admission requirements
  • Bridging programs for non-traditional students

• Activities

  • Panel discussion with representatives from local healthcare education programs
  • Workshop on identifying and meeting prerequisites

• Assignments

  • Create an educational plan outlining steps to meet prerequisites

Week 3: Application Process

• Topics

  • Overview of the application process for healthcare programs
  • Writing personal statements and preparing for interviews
  • Gathering and submitting required documents

• Activities

  • Mock interview sessions
  • Personal statement writing workshop

• Assignments

  • Draft a personal statement for a healthcare program application

Week 4: Financial Planning

• Topics

  • Overview of financial aid options (grants, loans, scholarships)
  • Budgeting for tuition and living expenses
  • Working while studying: part-time jobs and flexible work arrangements

• Activities

  • Presentation by a financial aid advisor
  • Budget planning exercise

• Assignments

  • Develop a financial plan for returning to school

Week 5: Time Management and Study Skills

• Topics

  • Effective time management techniques for balancing school, work, and personal life
  • Study skills and learning strategies for adult learners
  • Stress management and self-care

• Activities

  • Time management workshop
  • Group discussion on balancing responsibilities

• Assignments

  • Create a weekly study and time management schedule

Week 6: Foundational Healthcare Knowledge

• Topics

  • Basic medical terminology
  • Introduction to anatomy and physiology
  • Overview of healthcare ethics and patient confidentiality

• Activities

  • Interactive medical terminology quiz
  • Group activity on ethical scenarios in healthcare

• Assignments

  • Complete a foundational knowledge assessment quiz

Final Project

Develop a comprehensive plan outlining your path to becoming a health professional, including career choice, educational pathway, financial plan, and time management strategy. Present this plan in the final class session.