Penwasciz Health Careers Program

... experience and encouragement for the future

"We have completed the selection process for the 2007/2008 Penwasciz Program. Please watch the website next summer, to apply for the Fall 2008 program. "

Condell Medical Center, in conjunction with the Condell Auxiliary, provides an early opportunity for high school junior and seniors students to learn for one year,  first-hand, about health careers through our educational program, Penwasciz. This is a unique, organized intern program that offers training through actual experience in a medical setting.

Pronounced "Pen-Wah-Zee," the name combines the name of three things a health professional always carries: a pen, a watch and scissors.

Varied Opportunities

Penwasciz interns learn about a variety of health care careers as they observe and work with medical professionals in the emergency department, patient care units, clinical laboratories, radiology department and pharmacy. They also can be found side-by-side with physical and respiratory therapists and other skilled clinical hospital staff.

Trained professionals from these hospital departments supervise practical training as they mentor program participants. Hands-on participation allows Penwasciz students to experience healthcare professions first-hand, guiding them as they think about choosing a career.

Experience in an actual medical setting as a Penwasciz intern has inspired many graduates of the program to pursue careers as physicians, nurses, biomedical engineers and physical therapists. Scholarships are awarded to all Penwasciz students who complete the program.  Valuable scholarships are also awarded to outstanding Penwasciz graduates who have chosen to pursue health careers.

Eligibility requirements for the Penwasciz program:

Exhibit a sincere interest in learning about health careers and a commitment to the program.

Be a junior or senior high school student and maintain a 2.5 GPA throughout the year.

Attend one full day orientation session (held on a Saturday or Sunday in October) and one 2-hour session per week during the academic year.  All sessions are held after school hours.

Assume responsibility for assignments and report promptly.

Becoming a Penwasciz

If you are interested in becoming a Penwasciz, complete the on-line application or contact Condell's Health Careers program at (847) 990-5515 to receive an application form. (Parental consent is required.) Interviews will be scheduled during September for the first forty eligible applicants.  The most outstanding twenty students, based on academics, interview, essay response and commitment to a health care career, will be selected for the program.  Penwasciz sessions will be held Mondays and Tuesdays from 5:00-7:00pm and 7:00-9:00pm.