South College hosts high school students for open house to explore campus and healthcare professions

South College Orlando hosted high school students, clinical partners and public officials for an open house on Nov. 7 to showcase potential healthcare pathways and educational technology available on campus.

The students and other visitors took part in demonstrations across several healthcare fields, including Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Respiratory Therapy, Medical Assisting, Surgical Technology and Physician Assistant (planned future program), gaining an introduction to professional healthcare pathways and a better understanding of what an educational journey involves.

“Healthcare fields offer professional opportunities across the country and especially in Florida, which has a growing population of older adults,” South College Orlando President Melissa McMahon said. “We want high school students to see firsthand what opportunities are available to them with a college education. Healthcare not only offers entry positions, but also clear paths to professional advancement and higher income opportunities.”

The students included 36 youth leaders with Empower Teens United, an organization that equips students to discover their purpose, develop leadership skills and prepare for success in school, life and the workforce through mentorship, career exploration, community engagement and family partnerships.

“At Empower Teens United, we believe every student has unique potential waiting to be developed,” said Ivan M. Quiquia, chief empowerment officer of Empower Teens United. “Our mission is to help students build the confidence, leadership and real-world skills they need to create meaningful futures. Partnerships with organizations like South College Orlando provide experiences that expand students’ perspectives, connect them with career pathways, and empower them to make informed decisions about their future. We are not just preparing students for their next step. We are developing the next generation of leaders who will strengthen our communities.”

The South College Orlando campus opened in 2021 and has expanded its program offerings to include healthcare-related certificate, associate and bachelor’s programs in areas such as Health Science, Radiography, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assisting, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy and Surgical Technology and a Master of Health Science Physician Assistant (PA) program.

South College Orlando also recently celebrated a campus expansion, adding more than 25,000 square feet to its footprint to enhance instructional facilities and accommodate a growing student body and catalog of programs.

For more information about South College Orlando visit south.edu/orlando.

South College offers more than 150 academic programs and concentrations at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; Orlando, Florida; and Columbus, Ohio, as well as Online and through Competency-Based Education (CBE). To learn more about South College, visit south.edu.

About South College

South College serves more than 22,000 students and is proud of its more than 25,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; Orlando, Florida; and Columbus, Ohio, as well as Online and CBE. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.

South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.