Unlocking Futures: UVMHN Career Fair Connects Hundreds of Students with Health Care Professionals

Nearly 250 high school students gathered at the Champlain Valley Exposition for a career fair focused on health care. This event featured professionals from the University of Vermont Health Network (UVMHN) and was aimed at showing students the variety of careers in health care.

The health network employs about 4,000 people, but it faces a significant challenge: nearly 1,500 job openings. The national health care workforce shortage is a critical issue, prompting UVMHN to form new educational partnerships to train future workers. These efforts have positioned UVMHN as a leader in workforce development during this ongoing crisis.

Katrina Stone, the talent acquisition manager at UVMHN, emphasized the importance of exposing students to health care careers they may not know about. “Our goal is to showcase the opportunities in health care,” she said. Events like this give students the chance to interact with health care professionals and find potential mentors.

The response from educators has been positive. Marla Garcia, director of the CVPH School of Radiologic Technology, noted that today’s students are more discerning and motivated than ever. They expect innovative teaching methods, like gamification and video-based learning. “They don’t want to waste time or money on education that doesn’t lead them to a career,” she remarked.

Respiratory therapy has emerged as a specialized and in-demand field. Despite this, many students are unaware of the career’s potential. Cara Grogan, an adult respiratory educator, highlighted UVMHN’s recent partnership with Vermont State University to create a pathway program for respiratory therapy. “Students want to see the potential for growth in their careers,” she said.

Nursing roles, particularly in niche areas like operating room nursing, also require more visibility. Beth Goyet, a nursing professional development practitioner, underscored the need for hands-on experiences to help students understand various nursing specializations.

The overall sentiment among educators is that increasing awareness can steer students toward fulfilling careers in health care. Geoffrey Farnum, director of nursing education at UVMHN, believes connecting students with real-world experiences—like job shadowing and volunteer opportunities—can help guide their decisions.

With nearly 1,500 open positions, the collaboration between educational institutions and health networks like UVMHN is more critical than ever. The health care industry is changing rapidly, with a pressing need for a workforce that can adapt. By fostering interest and providing clear pathways, we can better prepare the next generation for rewarding careers in health care.

For more detailed information about health care career opportunities and educational programs, explore the resources available at the UVM Health Network.

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