Eight Civic Memorial Seniors Commit to SIUE Healthcare Programs

Eight Civic Memorial Seniors Commit to SIUE Healthcare Programs

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's partnerships with regional school districts are building the next generation of healthcare professionals. Eight Civic Memorial High School students recently committed to SIUE programs in nursing and pharmacy during a healthcare signing ceremony in Bethalto.

SIUE's Dual Credit program with Civic Memorial's Medical Careers program introduces high school students to healthcare through immersive, hands-on learning and dual credit opportunities. Through coursework and partnerships with local healthcare organizations, students gain exposure to a variety of medical career paths and develop foundational skills through a two-part curriculum.

Of the students recognized during the signing ceremony held at the high school, seven committed to SIUE's School of Nursing (SON) and one committed to the School of Pharmacy (SOP).

Angela Andrews, PhD, associate professor in the SON and SOP Associate Dean Jessica Kerr, PharmD, attended the Tuesday, April 21 signing event at Civic Memorial in Bethalto.

"We are excited for the dual credit program as it allows students to begin building their professional identity while discovering the many ways they can make a difference through healthcare," said Andrews.

Angie Parish, who oversees the Medical Careers program at Civic Memorial, spoke about how the students are prepared to explore the professions.

"You have developed the compassion, empathy, integrity and heart that truly defines exceptional healthcare professionals," said Parish. "Those qualities cannot be taught from a textbook."

The eight newly committed students reflect a growing regional emphasis on creating early pathways into healthcare careers through collaboration between school districts, healthcare partners and higher education institutions like SIUE.

Educational administration interested in partnering with SIUE's Early College Program for Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment may contact [email protected].

PHOTO: Jessica Kerr, PharmD, and Angela Andrews, PhD, with incoming SIUE-committed seniors at Civic Memorial High School. Photo courtesy of Andrews.