The after school College and Career Advantage medical classes are beginning their internships this semester.
Classes such as Medical Assisting, Emergency Medical Technician, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Veterinary Technician Advanced and Medical/Hospital Careers are starting to do their internships this semester.
Students will interview for the internship assigned to them as their teacher will fill out a contract with the information, allowing them to get started at the location for the internship. Depending on the program, students have to meet the requirement of around 144 hours before the end of the school year to get up to 15 college credits. CCA internships may work and communicate with local Community Colleges in the area; a few listed as Orange Coast, Saddleback, Santa Ana and Santiago Canyon. Students get the opportunity to pick days and times that work best for them throughout the week and start as early as January to complete their hours. Clinics follow different guidelines from Urgent Cares and they will prepare students for what their work requires.
Some of these internships may count toward clinical experience needed for certification exams like EMT.
Some courses such as EMT and Pharmacy Technician, students have to be 18 years-old by the end of the program to be able to enroll in the class due to licensing and certifications. While as for the other classes offered, students have to be 16 years-old by the end of the program because of the hands-on experience and higher-risk activities like machinery and tools. Along with 16 years of age to be the minimum age requirement for jobs.
Sana Hakimi (12) states, “ I think the CCA classes are a good way to learn and have that experience. I’m excited to start my internship for Medical Assisting because I’ll be working in a real office and seeing new things.”
Internships look great on applications for college and jobs as well as gaining experience in the medical field and observing real-life situations. These internships can lead to job opportunities through local medical offices and businesses. Students will learn how to operate in the real world by working around schedules, real patients and in depth learning. The medical workforce is a very high-demand, low supply industry, providing these internships is beneficial for students to remain interested and expand their knowledge on a particular field.
Depending on the course and internships, students will typically observe professionals, build connections and complete hands-on work. Pharmacy Technicians may assist in filling prescriptions and manage inventory. EMT students can assist in patient care and observe medical procedures. Medical Assisting students may assist in patient preparation and tasks.
Urva Pawar (11) adds, “I want to take EMT next year because I’ll be 18 by then and it is something I’m interested in. The internship and experience will look good on my college applications.”
