Cultivating Health Careers in Camden
Saint Joseph’s is working to demystify health careers for Camden City School District students through an annual Health Careers Fair.
Camden High Schoolers get familiar with tools in the occupational therapy lab at Saint Joseph's University
According to a study in the International Journal for Medical Education, opportunities for high school students to conduct research or shadow medical professionals are limited. However, exposure to these professions in adolescence can increase teens’ interest in healthcare careers and ultimately their pursuit of medical education.
Starting in 2023, Saint Joseph’s University’s School of Health Professions (SHP) began partnering with South Jersey Solutions to expose Camden City School District students to health careers through a Health Careers Fair.
The event is held annually for students in grades 9–12 from Camden High School and Eastside High School. SHP faculty gather groups of students to share valuable insights on educational pathways and job outlooks within their respective fields, enhancing students’ understanding of available opportunities. Students then participate in hands-on activities at interactive stations, demonstrating real-world applications from each health profession.
“This is a really impactful way for us to introduce and expose potential students to these much-needed professions,” reflects Sarah Corcoran, OTD, OTR/L, clinical assistant professor of occupational therapy, who spearheads this project every year. “What we’re really excited about now is deepening this connection we’ve made by inviting these students to join us on campus.”
In November 2025, Corcoran worked with South Jersey Solutions, the school district and her colleagues to expand the Health Careers Fair and bring these same high schoolers to St. Joe’s for a day-long immersive health-education experience.
This is a really impactful way for us to introduce and expose potential students to these much needed professions.
Sarah Corcoran, OTD, OTR/L
Clinical Associate Professor of Occupational TherapyStudents were treated to tours of Saint Joseph’s labs in University City, presentations from key student support and academic offices, a quick introduction to navigating financial aid and scholarships, and a networking lunch with current health-professions cohorts.
One of the most popular aspects of the day was the classroom visits where high schoolers heard from current students in physical therapy, occupational therapy, exercise physiology, pharmacy and physician assistant studies about their paths and what surprised them about their current majors.
“This was such a rewarding day,” notes Billy Scott, BS ’25, DPT ’27. “I was able to connect with some of the students who have had personal experiences with physical therapy, as well as those who were just curious to learn more about it. Seeing them get excited about PT got me excited about PT all over again.”