PCH brings local students to explore healthcare careers through hands-on experience
PRINCETON, W.Va. — Students from GEAR UP and Mercer County Technical Education Center (MCTEC) gained firsthand exposure to careers in healthcare through an interactive program held at the Karen Preservati Center in Princeton.
The initiative, created through a partnership between WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital, WVU Medicine, and the Southeastern Area Health Education Center (AHEC), connected classroom learning to real-world applications while sparking curiosity, building confidence, and introducing students to the wide range of opportunities available in the medical field.
Throughout the experience, students rotated through hands-on learning stations focused on topics such as hand hygiene and infection prevention, respiratory therapy, medical imaging, laboratory services, rehabilitation services, as well as CPR and first aid. The event also included a healthcare career panel, where students engaged directly with professionals and asked questions about various career paths.
“We’re asking students, many of them juniors and seniors, to make important career decisions at a very young age,” said Heather Poff, Vice President of Human Resources at WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital. “It’s important they have as much information as possible to make those choices, and experiences like this help bring healthcare careers to life in a meaningful way.”
Leaders from WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital and the Southeastern Area Health Education Center say the program reflects a shared commitment to developing the future healthcare workforce and expanding awareness of career opportunities available close to home.
About WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital
WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital is leading healthcare in the two Virginias. With 420 physicians and mid-level providers, PCH operates a fully accredited 203-bed acute care medical facility, a 64-bed psychiatric hospital, and an emergency room and outpatient services facility in Bluefield. PCH operates seven primary care clinics, 11 specialty clinics, and three rural imaging clinics offering a wide range of care to a 10-county region.
WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital is leading healthcare in the two Virginias. With 420 physicians and mid-level providers, PCH operates a fully accredited 203-bed acute care medical facility, a 64-bed psychiatric hospital, and an emergency room and outpatient services facility in Bluefield. PCH operates seven primary care clinics, 11 specialty clinics, and three rural imaging clinics offering a wide range of care to a 10-county region.