Health fair helps students, employers connect

The field of health care involves more than just doctors and nurses. The ninth annual Health Programs Fair, sponsored by the Health Professions and Prelaw Center, will give students a chance to learn how to become part of that career field.

The fair is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today in the Indiana Memorial Union Alumni Hall. The event is free and open to the public, and freshmen students through alumni are encouraged to attend.

This event is great for students who know that they want to work in health care but don’t know exactly what field they want to go into, said Rachel Tolen, assistant director and premedical adviser in the HPPLC.

“Many students are familiar with only the very visible health care careers like doctor, nurse, physical therapy,” Tolen said. “But there are so many health care fields people just don’t know about, and many of those less well-known professions will be represented.”

Tolen said the fair expects its biggest turnout thus far, with more than 900 students attending last year. More than 100 different health-related programs will be represented, including several school admissions offices, volunteer programs and student organizations.

Students will be able to find out how and where they can start gathering volunteer hours in the field, as well as what admissions offices look for in successful applicants.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for students to have personal contact with admissions representatives from schools,” Tolen said. “Many representatives will keep track of who they spoke to during the fair, which can help when your résumé comes across their desk in the future.”