Alexa Martinez, a senior at Muhlenberg High School, has always been passionate about helping others. To her, a career in healthcare offers the opportunity to do just that, while being a part of something that directly improves a person’s well-being.
Last year, as a Health and Medical Professions student at Berks Career & Technology Center, she learned about Reading Hospital’s High School Internship Program when members of the Community Wellness team came to the school to share information about the program and application process.
Today, Martinez interns with A4 Outpatient Services where she sets up exam rooms and helps prepare patients' charts. She can also observe certain medical procedures like ultrasounds and a variety of instrumental healthcare positions including nursing, medical assistant, reception, and patient services representative.
“This internship is about so much more than getting coffee and making copies,” said Desha Dickson, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Community Wellness. “These students are an integral part of the team and have important responsibilities within their assigned department.”
High School Internship Program at Reading Hospital
The Reading Hospital High School Internship Program is designed to provide students with practical experience in the hospital work environment. Enhancing their academic, professional, and personal development, while applying their knowledge and skills through hands-on activities, interacting with patients, and networking with hospital staff.
According to Dickson, the students experience a very similar process to others employed at the hospital. “We want to give them as many ‘real-world’ experiences as we can, and that starts with the application process,” Dickson said.
Real-World Internship Opportunity
With the program's success growing over the past 10 years, space is limited for the coveted internship. For example, the program received 152 applicants for 50 available spots last year, according to Dickson. To be considered for the program, students must fill out an application, submit a personal statement and letters of recommendation, provide a transcript, and complete a virtual interview.
When selected, each student is assigned to a department supervisor to whom they report, and with whom they will work. This manager assigns tasks, mentors, answers questions and helps them acclimate to the team.
The Intern Experience
Martinez was interested in pursuing a career in forensic pathology, so she applied to the internship program to receive added experience and exposure to the healthcare field. She was paired with Christi Pelko, RN, MSN, a nurse manager for outpatient services and the Children's Health Center. Pelko and her team are pleased to be a part of the program that assists in the development of young adults in the community, helping them discover what a rewarding career is in healthcare.
At one of their first meetings, Pelko and Martinez discussed areas of interest and things Martinez hoped to experience while working at the hospital. Through that discussion, Pelko learned that she was hoping to learn more about careers in ultrasound technology. Pelko arranged for her to shadow one of the hospital’s sonographers for an afternoon in the Women’s Health Center.
“I wanted to see new things and different parts of healthcare,” Martinez said. “Thanks to Christi, I had the opportunity to shadow a coworker and fell in love with ultrasound and working in women’s health.”
She enjoyed it so much that shortly after the experience she applied to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at the Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences. Martinez encourages others to consider the internship program because it’s a great opportunity to experience many areas of healthcare to help forge a future path.
“It’s more hands-on than I expected,” she said. “I don’t provide direct patient care, but I regularly interact with patients. I get to see how doctors and nurses interact and communicate with patients and each other.” Martinez says that even in the short time she’s been at the hospital she has gained valuable insights and better understands how the facility operates on a day-to-day basis. The program continues to help her build confidence and refine her time management skills.
“In general, I’ve gained so many real-world and practical skills,” she said. “I’m learning to work with people from other backgrounds, which is such an important skill in everyday life.” She also said the experience solidified her decision to pursue a healthcare career path and provided clarity on the skills needed to develop for her future.