The Metagenomics Education Partnership, funded by a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), seeks to build understanding of best practices contributing to student motivation and participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at the high school level. The program introduces teachers to innovative technology that uses a hands-on, cyber-learning approach to increase knowledge of bioinformatics and bioinformatics software. Participation in the program encourages teachers to incorporate bioinformatics studies into the classroom setting and provides ongoing support to students as they pursue STEM career plans. June of 2020 begins our first year of this new five-year program, which includes collaborations with the University of Buffalo, WNY Rural AHEC, Erie-Niagara AHEC, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeepers, and several school districts in our catchment area.
Why a career in healthcare? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), “Overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. About 1.8 million openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to
replace workers who leave the occupations permanently.” If you can handle blood and other bodily fluids, or if you are not “that person”, there is a position for you.
Careers are categorized into different areas such as administration, imaging and patient care. Also, Allied Health Jobs (professionals that are not doctors, dentists, or nurses, but support healthcare providers) and STEM jobs. You can also find WNY Colleges, as well as other programs and resources that will help you attain the training you seek.
Contact WNY R-AHEC < Info@r-ahec.org > for more information about health careers.
