School of Allied Health Professions at LSU Health Shreveport connects Louisiana high school students with health careers
The School of Allied Health Professions at LSU Health Shreveport proudly marks the successful conclusion of the third year of the Allied Health Education and Discovery (AHEAD) program.
AHEAD is a week-long immersive experience designed for high school students. It allows them to explore eight different health fields, including respiratory therapy, medical laboratory science, nursing, occupational therapy, public health, physical therapy, physician assistant and speech-language pathology.
The program follows a cohort model, with groups of 20-25 participants progressing through the curriculum together. This shared learning experience includes interactive workshops led by faculty members, discussion panels featuring current students, didactic lectures to provide clarity about potential career pathways and individual and group reflection exercises. By exposing students to various roles, the program helps them identify the paths that align with their educational and professional goals while resonating with their personalities.
What sets AHEAD apart is its commitment to exploring careers and guiding students toward becoming competitive applicants for highly sought-after health programs.
“Participating in the AHEAD program was truly a life-changing experience. Throughout the program, we had daily hands-on learning experiences. We were given the opportunities to visit the cadaver lab, tour parts of the hospital and learn about many allied health professions that I never knew existed. This program taught me so much about the different health professions. Before the AHEAD program, I did not know about respiratory therapy; however, I now know how important respiratory therapists are to helping people recover from illnesses. The program provided us with a visual map and outlined the steps to take in college to achieve these careers. Attending the AHEAD program gave me more confidence in pursuing a career in the health care field. I am truly thankful to have had this experience,” said Madison Evans, AHEAD participant and graduate of Captain Shreve High School (c/o 2022).
Since its establishment in 2020, 111 students have participated in the program. Over half (68%) of this year’s participating students come from diverse backgrounds, and 76% of students will be high school seniors or college freshmen in the fall, making the program timely for those interested in health care careers.
The success of AHEAD can also be measured by its representation from 14 local high schools during the summer 2023 sessions. These schools include Airline, Benton, Bossier, Caddo Magnet, Captain Shreve, CE Byrd, Evangel, Haughton, North Desoto, Northwood, Parkway, Southwood, West Monroe and Woodlawn high schools.
Alissa Lane, AHEAD participant and graduate of CE Byrd High School (c/o of 2021), said, “I have really enjoyed the AHEAD program, and I think it is amazing because it gives us so much insight into so many other medical careers other than the typical doctor or nurse. I think that is important because a lot of us are at a pivotal place in our lives; we are making decisions and plans that are ultimately going to affect our future. It is nice to know that we have so many options and opportunities out there.”
The evaluations conducted over the past three years consistently demonstrate high levels of participant satisfaction. The results indicate that the program enhances students’ understanding of the allied health fields and equips them with the necessary knowledge to pursue careers in these areas.
Furthermore, AHEAD is committed to tracking the progress of its alums as they work toward their chosen careers. By providing ongoing mentorship and support, the program aims to guide students along their desired career paths, offering a valuable opportunity for them to refine their interests and achieve their career goals.
Applications for the summer 2024 session of AHEAD are now open and can be submitted through the website www.lsuhs.edu/ahead. To be considered for admission, prospective applicants must be at least 16 years old by the first day of the session, enrolled in a Louisiana high school, and maintain a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 at the time of application. Graduating seniors are also encouraged to apply. Additional information about the AHEAD program can be found on the website or by contacting the Student Admissions Office at (318)813-2908 or ShvAHStudentAffairs@ lsuhs.edu.
Madeline Barclay, MPH, is director of admissions for LSUHS School of Allied Health Professions.
