TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Ivy Tech Community College Terre Haute, in partnership with West Central Indiana Area Health Education Center (WCI-AHEC), welcomed nearly 140 high school students from across West Central Indiana on Friday, February 6, for a regional healthcare skills competition focused on preparing students for future careers in health sciences.
Students competed in a variety of events designed to assess hands-on healthcare skills and knowledge, including nursing assisting, CPR and first aid, medical terminology, and medical math. Participants also presented prepared health career displays highlighting specific healthcare professions. The competition helped students prepare for the spring HOSA: Future Health Professionals state leadership conference, where students can earn scholarships and advance to the national competition.
Participants represented Career & Technical Education (CTE) and health career programs from local high schools in Vigo, Greene, Washington, Montgomery, and Clay counties. Most students expressed interest in pursuing healthcare-related education and careers following graduation.
“This competition gives students a meaningful opportunity to test their skills, explore healthcare careers, and experience a college campus environment,” said Jackie Matthis, director of WCI-AHEC. “Early exposure like this helps students better understand the demands and rewards of healthcare professions, particularly in communities where these careers are in high demand.”
“This event allows students to see firsthand what healthcare education looks like beyond high school,” said Tracy Blanc, Ivy Tech Terre Haute dean of health sciences. “By partnering with local schools and organizations like WCI-AHEC, we help students build confidence, sharpen their skills, and envision themselves in healthcare careers that are critical to our region.”
Ivy Tech Terre Haute offers associate degrees and certificates in a wide range of healthcare fields, including nursing, medical assisting, medical laboratory technology, paramedic science, respiratory therapy, and surgical technology.
For more information about Ivy Tech’s various healthcare programs, visit ivytech.edu/healthcare.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
