Exploring Healthcare and Bioscience Careers

Career Connect Event provides students opportunities to explore potential careers

A career event with many people seated at tables, several of which display employer materials in the foreground. Banners are visible in the background.

A group of employees smiling for a picture, with a banner featuring the words "Career Connect Event" in the background. — Left to right: The Career Services team includes Niira Krupnick, Michael Caldwell, Eli Knapp, Alex Kison, Aaron Campbell, Trisha Haakonstad (not pictured), Emily Meoz (not pictured), and Paul Dulaney (not pictured).

For students wondering about a career in healthcare or bioscience, the Career Connect event on November 19th gave students a behind-the-scenes look into this high-demand industry. This event complemented the October 22nd healthcare and bioscience focused Career Connect event in the Clark College Building at WSU Vancouver.

Alex Kison from Career Services said, “While the October 22nd event was intentional in meeting current healthcare program students in the building where they take most of their classes, this event was more focused on exploring careers in healthcare and bioscience. It was especially geared for those who haven’t declared their major yet and are curious about this area of study and the related career pathways.”

Held in PUB 161 by the Career Services team, there was a welcoming atmosphere as students, staff, faculty, and community members chatted with local employers about careers, internships, and more.

In addition to exploring career pathways, students connected with the Career Services team, the Academic Advising department, and Student Success Coaches, learning more about the resources available in the Clark College community.

Participants were able to engage directly with employers and industry professionals, and explore their options, whether they were interested in becoming a nurse, pharmacy tech, healthcare administrative professional , or exploring other healthcare career opportunities.

The following employers participated in this event:

Adventure Medics – EMT/Emergency Service Technicians, First Responders, Nurses
AFC Urgent Care – Medical Assistants, Medical Administration, Medical Billing
Ardon Health – Pharmacy Technicians
Consumer Direct Care Network Washington – Caregivers, Service Coordinators, Administration
Department of Social and Health Services, Office of Forensic Mental Health Services – Summer Internships, Behavioral Healthcare, Nursing
Legacy Health – Pharmacy Technicians, Medical Assistants, Nursing, CNA, Medical Receptionists
Multnomah County Health Department – LPN, RN, Certified Medical Assistants
Providence – Phlebotomy, MLS/MLT, PT, OT, SLP, Pharmacy Tech, Radiology, and more
Willamette Dental Group – Dental Hygienist externship opportunity

Potential employer like Adventure Medics is hiring EMTs, First Responders, nurses, and more.

A group of three people smiling for a picture in front of a banner with the words "Consumer Direct Care Network Washington" on it.

A medical company table displaying pamphlets and various equipment.

“Adventure Medics is a diverse medical company,” explained Alex, a station supervisor who was representing the Event Medical portion of Adventure Medics. The Event Medical team staffs a variety of events from concerts to sporting events to motocross rallies.

Consumer Direct Care Network Washington (CDWA) provides in-home care for older adults and those with disabilities. They are hiring service coordinators who provide customer service to clients, caregivers, and case managers. CDWA is also looking for caregivers who provide one-on-one services and offers a flexible schedule, especially for those in school.

Also present at the event was Jordan Wilcox, a recruiter and partner specialist for Clark College’s Surgical Technology program , starting in the Fall of 2025. Students can begin taking foundation classes for this new program in the coming Winter and Spring terms.

During this event, industry professionals not only talked about career opportunities, but also provided students with insight into the future possibilities of their fields. Included in the event were resources to help participants engage and learn more with employers, such as career conversation questions, bingo activities, and opportunities for prizes.

From building connections to planning the next step in their careers, this event had something for everyone.

Stay tuned for the next Career Connect event coming up in 2025!