Exploring Diverse Career Pathways in Health Science at Shreveport’s GRASP Event

Discovering New Paths in Health Science in Shreveport

SHREVEPORT, La. – If you’ve ever thought about a career in health science, you might instantly picture a doctor in scrubs or a nurse caring for patients. But hold on! There’s so much more to this field than just those familiar roles. Tomorrow and Saturday, high school and college students in Shreveport will have the chance to explore the wide world of opportunities in health science at an exciting event called GRASP – which stands for Graduate Research and Student Preparation. This event is specially designed for students and their parents to dive into the many career paths available in the health science arena.

What Can You Do in Health Science?

According to Jason Bodily, PhD, the dean of graduate studies at LSU Health Shreveport, there’s a treasure chest of unexplored careers just waiting to be discovered. “You can become a science communicator. You can work for companies, develop drugs, or even work on creating lifesaving vaccines. All these wonderful opportunities that many students just don’t know about,” says Bodily. It’s clear that there’s a world beyond just traditional roles, filled with innovative paths that contribute to significant scientific advancements.

Breaking Down Misconceptions About Costs

If you or your family are worried about the costs of pursuing these careers, Bodily has some good news. Many graduate students, particularly those working toward a Ph.D., often receive a stipend. Plus, their tuition is typically waived! “So, you can go through your graduate education and become a biomedical researcher without acquiring any kind of debt. Our job is to help them envision their future and motivate them to choose a path that excites them,” he adds.

What to Expect at GRASP

The GRASP event not only showcases the diverse career options available but also provides a real-life glimpse into the laboratory environment. Attendees can network with current students and faculty, allowing them to see first-hand what a day in the life of a graduate student and researcher looks like. This is an invaluable opportunity for those curious about what their future could hold in the health science field.

Mark your calendars! GRASP kicks off tomorrow from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. for high school students and their parents. On Saturday, it continues from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for college students and their families. This is perfect timing to ask all those burning questions about graduate studies, internships, and what it truly means to be a part of the research community.

Your Future Awaits

For anyone interested, getting more information is just a click away, with details readily available on the LSU Health Shreveport website. Whether you’re a high school student just starting to explore your options or a college student eager to dive deeper, GRASP is an excellent opportunity to gain insight into the varied paths available in health science.

Don’t let uncertainty hold you back! This event could very well ignite a passion for a career you never even knew existed. So grab a friend or family member and head out to experience all that this vibrant field has to offer. Your future could be just around the corner!