Holton Community Hospital Opens Applications for 2026 Healthcare Academy
Holton, KS – Holton Community Hospital is now accepting applications for the 2026 Healthcare Academy, a free summer job-shadowing program for Jackson County high school students interested in healthcare careers. The Healthcare Academy provides a one-week immersive experience inside a working hospital, giving students the opportunity to explore real medical professions and learn directly from healthcare experts.
The program is hosted onsite at Holton Community Hospital and includes rotations across departments such as Radiology, Laboratory, Rehabilitation Services, Pharmacy, Nursing, Surgery, and more.
2026 Healthcare Academy Key Dates
- Applications Open: February 25, 2026
- Application Deadline: March 25, 2026
- Interviews: April 13–24
- Selection Notifications: May 1
- Orientation at Holton Community Hospital: May 28
- Job-Shadow Weeks:
Students will select three preferred weeks between June 1 and the week of July 13.
The hospital can accommodate two students per week. - Graduation Ceremony: July 2026 (final date announced later)
About the Healthcare Academy
The Healthcare Academy is designed to help students explore medical and allied health professions through hands-on learning and real hospital experience. Throughout the program, students observe patient care, witness clinical teamwork, and gain insight into the education and skills needed for a healthcare career.
This free program supports Holton Community Hospital’s goal of building a stronger local healthcare workforce and introducing students to meaningful career opportunities close to home.
Professional Development: References & Interview Preparation
As part of the application process, students must submit three references from a teacher, employer, coach, mentor, or another organizational leader.
Students will also complete a formal interview, giving them practical experience with job-readiness skills such as communication, professionalism, and workplace expectations. For many participants, the Academy serves as their first real interview, helping them grow confidence and career-readiness before entering the workforce.
Who Can Apply to the Healthcare Academy?
The Healthcare Academy is open to:
- All Jackson County high school students
- Public, private, and home-school students
- Students interested in exploring healthcare, nursing, medicine, or related fields
- Students looking for meaningful volunteer and job-shadow experience
Kansas Virtual Health Care Career Day – February 18, 2026
Students interested in exploring healthcare careers are also encouraged to participate in the 2026 Virtual Health Care Career Day on February 18, 2026. This statewide online event is presented by the Kansas Hospital Association, the Kansas Board of Regents, and the Kansas State Department of Education. During this virtual program, attendees will go “inside” Kansas hospitals to experience day-in-the-life videos from healthcare professionals and participate in real-time Q&A sessions. Featured career areas include Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Laboratory, Social Services, Pediatrics, and more.
Students can learn more and register by visiting: https://happyinhealthcare.org/career-resources/career-events/
Explore Healthcare Careers Before You Apply
Students can explore healthcare career pathways and take a career-fit quiz on the Academy webpage:
👉 https://holtonhospital.com/high-school-healthcare-academy-career-development-program/
This page includes videos, career descriptions, and links to resources from the Kansas Hospital Association to help students discover which healthcare careers match their interests.
How to Apply
Applications will be available online beginning February 25 at holtonhospital.com. Students will complete the application, submit their references, and select their preferred shadowing weeks.
For additional information about the 2026 Healthcare Academy, contact:
Roger Stockman, Manager of Marketing & Recruitment
Holton Community Hospital
785-364-9660 | roger.stockman@rhrjc.org
