Iowa Health Sciences Career Day to Showcase In-Demand Fields to Students

Iowa middle and high school students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of health care careers during the second annual Health Sciences Career Day on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The virtual event, hosted by the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) in partnership with the Iowa Department of Education and hospitals across the state, aims to address workforce shortages by introducing students to diverse and rewarding opportunities in the health care field.

Event Details

The Health Sciences Career Day will run from 9 a.m. To noon and feature engaging videos and live panel discussions. Students will learn about the day-to-day realities of working in various health care roles and gain insights into the education and training required for each career path. Registration for teachers and groups is available via QR code.

Featured Career Areas

This year’s event will highlight several in-demand health care professions, including:

• Pharmacy: Exploring the science and practice of medicine, including dispensing, patient counseling, and collaboration with other healthcare providers. Great River Health in West Burlington will present on this field.
• Nursing: Focusing on the critical role nurses play in patient care, from administering medicine to providing emotional support and specializing in various areas of care. MercyOne in Des Moines will lead the discussion on nursing.
• Radiology: Demonstrating how radiology technologists and technicians use advanced imaging equipment like MRI and CT scanners to diagnose and treat patients. Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs will present on radiology.
• Physical Therapy: Highlighting the focus on restoring, maintaining, and improving physical function and well-being. Cass Health in Atlantic will present on physical therapy.
• Emergency Medical Services
• Surgical Services

Addressing Workforce Challenges

“Workforce and staffing shortages remain one of the top concerns we hear from hospital leaders in Iowa,” said Chris Mitchell, IHA president and CEO, in a statement. “In partnership with the Iowa Department of Education and hospitals across the state, Health Sciences Career Day introduces students to many diverse and rewarding career opportunities in health care.”

Event Sponsors and Partners

The Health Sciences Career Day is sponsored by the Iowa Hospital Association and the Iowa Department of Education, with participation from numerous Iowa health systems, including MercyOne, UnityPoint Health, and Great River Health. The event is similarly supported by the Kansas Board of Regents and Kansas Hospital Association.