“This event provides area high school students an in-depth look at what it’s like to be part of SEMO’s health programs,” said Joe Pujol, dean of SEMO’s College of Education, Health and Human Studies. "We encourage students to engage deeply, ask questions, and imagine their potential impact in a healthcare career."

The immersive event featured a full campus tour, lunch, targeted breakout sessions led by SEMO’s distinguished faculty and an exploration of SEMO’s healthcare programs.

Students had the opportunity to see cutting-edge resources, such as nursing simulation labs and the Center for Speech and Hearing, and to learn about SEMO’s respiratory therapy partnership with the Cape Career and Technology Center.

A highlight of the day was the meaningful connection between prospective students and current SEMO students, allowing high school visitors to gain real insights into college life and career preparation.

Learn More About Healthcare Programs

"This peer interaction is likely the most transformative part of the experience," Pujol said, emphasizing how impactful it was for students to engage with those already on the path to becoming healthcare professionals.

The event highlighted SEMO’s commitment to supporting the growing demand for healthcare professionals, a field with 1.9 million projected job openings annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Southeast offers over 60 degree programs in health-related fields across seven departments, and 96% of its graduates report being employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation.

“Our nursing and allied health programs are exceptional,” Pujol said. "Events like Health Professions Day allow us to showcase our programs in a way that resonates with prospective students, fueling their enthusiasm to pursue impactful healthcare careers."

For more information on healthcare-related programs at SEMO, visit the website.