Hands-On Health Care: High School Students Explore Careers at St. Anne Hospital

November 2025

Earlier this year, Highline Public Schools and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) launched a new high school health sciences program providing students with invaluable hands-on career training. This past October, that shared vision came to life at St. Anne Hospital in Burien. 

Enthusiasm and chatter filled the hospital halls as 31 eager students embarked on hands-on career exploration with VMFH team members. They delved into seven distinct career pathways:

• Biomedicine
• Diagnostic imaging
• Family Birth Center
• Lab services
• Perioperative services
• Pharmacy
• Respiratory therapy

For a day, these students walked in the footsteps of VMFH health care leaders and observed the daily operations of a bustling hospital.

“I really want to help people,” student Lilliana shared with the Family Birth Center team. “I am still not sure what I want to be but I know I want to help.” 

Rachael Febus, King County Perinatal Educator, related on a deep level, sharing that she also discovered she wanted to be in health care when she turned 14, the very same age as Lilliana.

This robust, four-year program offers students a unique opportunity to earn college credits, gain real-world experience, and receive industry-recognized credentials, preparing them for medical careers within three distinct pathways:

• Nursing Assistant – Students earn a Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC), preparing them for immediate entry into health care jobs or further nursing studies.

• Pre-Allied Health – Students explore careers in physical therapy, radiology, and allied health professions. 

• College – Students earn college credits toward two- or four-year degrees in medical fields.

The program is a part of VMFH’s Student Healthcare Career Exploration Program; with participating VMFH hospitals that include St. Anne Hospital and St. Francis Hospital. 

“Enrolled students have the opportunity to engage in a variety of enriching experiences such as attending workshops and field trips led by our team, receiving mentorship and professional development, completing hands-on clinical training, and more,” shared Dionne Dixon, PhD, region director overseeing education services for Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. “The program is about creating a rich experience to help our future health care team members succeed and also feel energized about their future career opportunities.”

With health care being one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S., it's creating more job opportunities than ever before for today's students.

As Coordinator of the VMFH Student Healthcare Career Exploration Program, Debora Schweikl noted, “When students gain access to early experiences, they can imagine their future paths while taking concrete steps to bring these dreams to life. More so they can feel excited and inspired seeing leaders that may share similar backgrounds, interests and excel in health care.” 

Learn more about the Student Healthcare Career Exploration Program.