06/22/2026
Portland-area high school students have a unique opportunity to explore future careers in health care through the Student Healthcare Leaders Program at Adventist Health Portland. Applications are open for the fall session of this free, innovative after-school program.
Designed to give students a hands-on look at the many paths within healthcare, the program offers interactive explorations and panel discussions with professionals across a wide range of fields. In addition to clinical experiences, participants will discover career opportunities in administration, information technology, engineering, human resources, nutrition services and more.
Each week, different department representatives share insights into their roles and how their work contributes to the medical center’s mission of whole-person care. Students are encouraged to ask questions and take part in engaging, interactive activities that bring these careers to life.
Student Healthcare Leaders also gives students networking opportunities for years to come. Graduating classes hold alumni events, and many students stay in touch with the mentors they meet through the classes. Some are now working at Adventist Health Portland.
“We’ve had over 300 students from 45 area high schools participate in this program since it launched in 2018,” says Dr. Terry Johnsson, Adventist Health Portland mission integration executive and Student Healthcare Leaders founder. “Many of these incredible students have gone on to pursue healthcare careers in our community. Some are now working professionals in our own hospital.”
Applications are due September 8 for the fall session, which meets on Tuesday evenings from September 29 to December 1. Students accepted into the program receive a full scholarship that covers the program, uniforms, supplies and a meal each week.
