Getting a taste of health care professions and the educational pathways to a fulfilling career was on the agenda at the inaugural Healthcare Horizons event hosted by St. Clair College at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) on March 24, 2026.
About 170 high school students within the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Health and Wellness program from the Lambton-Kent District School Board, St. Clair Catholic District School Board, and Conseil Scholaire Catholique Providence rotated through different areas of discipline at the College and hospital as an immersive day of learning designed to showcase the various occupations involved in comprehensive health care in the region.
It was a real revelation for Mikayla Pilon, a Grade 11 student at Ecole Secondaire Catholique de Pain Court.
"I definitely know that I want to be in a health care program, but it's good to see the different options, especially because I already have one in mind," Pilon said. "Learning about the different branches that it can lead into and meeting real people in the program and seeing what their daily lives look like was very helpful."
The event was organized by Brandon Boundy, who works as a Registered Practical Nurse at CHKA, and is a graduate of the Practical Nursing program at St. Clair College. He's also a clinical nursing instructor at St. Clair College and currently completing his studies in the Collaborative Nursing BScN at St. Clair College and the University of Windsor.
"When I was in high school, I didn't really get the full scope of everything to do with health care," said Boundy, who turned that into the crux of his plan for Healthcare Horizons. "The hope of this is to spark interest into different career paths that may not have as much exposure. We're giving them the hands-on experience of career pathways at CKHA, but also the educational pathways here at St. Clair College to spark some interest in one of these careers."
Chatham-Kent EMS, along with the Chatham-Kent Nursing Society and faculty and students from the University of Windsor and St. Clair College were in attendance to speak with students and offer perspectives about their education and careers, including information about programs of study, how long it takes to graduate and salary expectations.
Programs showcased at the College included Nursing BScN, Biomedical Engineering Technology – Equipment and Devices, Paramedic, Occupational Therapy Assistant/Physiotherapy Assistant.
"I'm here for the experience, checking out different medical fields and career options," said Leanna Lozon, also in Grade 11 at ESC Pain Court. "This shows me the reality about what my future could look like and how you actually get there, because I don't have any real perspective on which college or university to attend, how many years it would take and how much learning we would have to do to get into these positions."
"LKDSB is grateful to have our Health and Wellness SHSM students participate in this day to explore health care career opportunities in their home community," said Gary Girardi, Director of Education at Lambton-Kent District School Board.
This initiative introduces Grade 11 and 12 students to the practical steps required to enter a health care field, spanning from secondary school prerequisites to post-secondary program options.
"Healthcare Horizons is about opening doors – inviting high school students to step beyond the classroom and into the real world of care and discovery," said Corrin Primeau, Chair of the School of Nursing at St. Clair College. "At this event, students aren't just seeing hospitals and post-secondary pathways – they're seeing what their futures could look like. By connecting education to meaningful careers, we hope they leave not only informed but inspired."
"The best part is showing the students that these options exist in their own backyard," Primeau added. "Students need to realize they can grow at home."
"We are thrilled to participate in this event," said Natalie Clark, Chief Nursing Executive at CKHA. "It is incredibly important to us to be able to nurture local talent and to show off the variety of opportunities available in health care."
By connecting with professionals across a wide range of disciplines, students gained firsthand exposure to the vast array of career opportunities available to them.
"Chatham Kent's future in health care is bright, and our high school students are a vital part of it. The future of care in our community starts with students who are ready to make a difference," said Peter Morassutti, Chief/General Manager, Chatham-Kent EMS.
"Be curious, explore your options, and believe in what you bring because health care needs your energy, empathy, and vision."
