Why should I attend the Health Careers Institute at Dartmouth?

Are you thinking about what college you might want to attend or what career you might want to pursue? Are you a sophomore, junior or senior in high school? Here is your opportunity to learn more about the world of health care today, study with some of the best educators in the nation and meet other teens with similar interests. In the end, you might have new insights about what you want for your future.

What does my tuition cover?

Your tuition covers lodging, meals, curriculum materials, resident assistants, and on-site transportation for this residential program. Support for staff, faculty, additional materials, and miscellaneous expenses are provided by the New Hampshire Area Health Education Center Program (AHEC), the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice (TDI), the Department of Community and Family Medicine, Dartmouth Biomedical Libraries, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, individual sponsors, and volunteers.

What about transportation?

Once the student checks in for the Health Careers Institute at Dartmouth, we provide all transportation to and from all planned activities. Students/families are responsible for transportation to and from the Institute. For directions and more information, please contact Alex Thorngren at (603) 653-1954 or e-mail: alex.thorngren@dartmouth.edu.

Can I bring my car to the Health Careers Institute?

Students are not permitted to drive their own vehicle to the Health Careers Institute. Exceptions are sometimes made if there is no other means of transportation available. However, students will not be permitted to drive their vehicle during the week they are here.

Will I have any free time while I am at the Health Careers Institute?

Absolutely. While we have designed a full and ambitious schedule, free time is built into the schedule along with structured, group recreation time.

Will there be chaperones?

Yes, at all times. The Summer Institute will have a minimum of three staff members who will stay in the dorms and act as Resident Counselors (RC's) during the week.

What is the dress code?

During the Health Careers Institute, you will have the opportunity to meet health care providers in a hospital and other professional sittings. As a representative of the NH Area Health Education Center and the Health Careers Institute, you will be expected to present a positive and professional image. Clothing guidelines will be provided upon acceptance into the Institute.

What are the lodging and meal arrangments for the week?

You will be experiencing life as a college student during the Health Careers Institute. You will stay in a campus dormitory and many of your meals will be in college dining facilities. Other meals will be arranged by faculty. Snacks are provided throughout the week, but students often bring snacks of their own - or spending money to cover incidental needs. If you have special dietary needs, please let us know upon acceptance.

Do I have to stay overnight?

Part of what makes the Health Careers experience valuable is the interaction that takes place throughout the days and into the evenings. We begin early - 7 a.m. - and end around 10 p.m. Students have also said that the week of "college life," staying in the dorms, and bonding with their fellow students is a special aspect of the Institute.

What information should I include in my application?

Tell us what makes you a prime candidate for the Health Careers Institute at Dartmouth. What are your interests, what motivates you, what experiences have you had that have influenced you? You each have a unique story and telling it is an important exercise.

What if I am unsure of my career aspirations?

Are you interested in math or science? Does investigation and mystery-solving appeal to you? Do you love working on or with computers? Are you artistic, yet interested in technology? Do you want to work in a field that is rewarding in many different ways and challenges you? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you may benefit from the Health Careers Institute at Dartmouth. Health care is a diverse field, which continues to grow rapidly. There is a large demand for dedicated health professionals, including nurses, physicians, dentists, lab, pharmacy, and radiology techs, as well as researchers, scientists, medical illustrators, medical photographers, information management specialists, and many other career areas. The Health Careers Institute at Dartmouth is a perfect opportunity to explore what's available to you in the health field.

What if I have more questions?

We would love to hear from you and welcome the opportunity to answer questions and provide you with additional information.

Contact:
Alex Thorngren
E-mail: Alex.Thorngren@Dartmouth.edu
Phone: (603) 653-1954
Fax: (603) 653-3201