This presentation explores the WSU Health Sciences Mentorship Program, a rural-focused initiative grounded in the belief that “You can’t be what you can’t see.” Launched in 2019, the program builds STEM and career identity beginning in grades 7–8 through early, sustained, and inclusive mentorship. Serving 11 rural districts, it offers a scalable framework for recruiting, training, and retaining mentors; engaging families; expanding awareness of high‑demand health careers; and measuring success beyond credentials to strengthen rural healthcare pathways.
Come take part in a hands-on workshop guiding you through the prep and implementation of a Body Tissue Types Dissection Lab. Attendees will dissect a raw chicken quarter- harvesting each tissue type of the body to complete each square of their sample mat (skin, adipose, muscle, tendon, ligament, bone, bone marrow, nerve, cartilage, joint capsule, etc). The lab will culminate in tearing through the chicken ACL to feel and witness the destructive capacity of force loads on joint tissues. Attendees will leave the session with a list of required supplies, copies of all written instructional materials, and having participated in the exploratory lab themselves to gain a thorough understanding of the student experience to take back to their programs.
All Washington preparation programs, including CTE teacher and administrator programs, are required to maintain a Professional Educator Advisory Board (PEAB) made up of practicing educators. These PEABs are critical - our CTE preparation programs rely on feedback from the field in order to provide quality preparation to prospective CTE educators. In this session, we will discuss the incredible value of PEABs, share some data on recent PEAB contributions, and provide information on how YOU can get involved in this work!
This session explores practical strategies for integrating dentistry into high school health science programs. Participants will learn how to embed oral health concepts into existing curriculum, create hands-on learning experiences, and build partnerships with local dental professionals. The presentation will highlight ways to expand CTE pathways, increase student awareness of dental careers, and strengthen connections between oral health and overall wellness.
With over 15 years in education and 17 years as a Certified Athletic Trainer, I teach Sports Medicine, Medical Careers, and Leadership at Graham-Kapowsin High School. I hold two bachelor’s degrees from Eastern Washington University in Athletic Training and Health & Fitness Education... Read More →
In this session, we'll discuss the topics, lessons, and projects the EPS Healthcare Academy uses to prepare students to work with all populations. We'll discuss how we teach patient-first care, how we introduce students to other generations and cultures, and how we cultivate empathy. In addition, we'll look at the culminating projects that our students leave the class with that they can use directly in any healthcare setting they begin work in.You'll come away from this session with practical ideas and lessons ready to implement in your health science classroom.
Elizabeth Carnesi-Hudson is proud to serve as the Executive Director for Washington HOSA - Future Health Professionals. She is looking forward to a great year and working with you to make this year the best yet.
High school Nursing Assistant training programs in Washington State are evolving to meet geographic and infrastructural challenges through creative high school–hospital partnerships, flexible scheduling, simulation, and in-school certification. By carefully aligning the Washington State Nursing Assistant Curriculum with high school frameworks, securing clinical and community partnerships, and implementing rigorous assessment practices, schools can expand access to NA certification, support local healthcare workforces, and provide students with valuable career pathways. The continued sharing of best practices and outcomes from these programs will be vital to scaling successful models statewide.
We will navigate the processes of the CTSO for advisors and administrators both. How to start a chapter. How to register your chapter. How to participate in the CTSO events. Competition categories and scoring. Awards and scholarships available. We will answer questions you have regarding WCTSMA.
