School-to-Employment - STEP 

Overview
The School-to-Employment Program (STEP) is a community partnership established in 2002 between Parkview Medical Center and Pueblo County School District 70. The program’s mission is to offer a quality academic experience and provide observation opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.

Benefits
• Up to 209 observation hours within the year
• Academic credit and a letter grade from the home District 70 high school, along with college credit from Pueblo Community College upon completion
• Certification opportunities through Precision Exams/YouScience
• Potential to earn a Certificate of Proficiency from the National Consortium for Health Science Education (NCHSE)
• Industry-specific assessments (NCHSE Exam for medical pathway students, Career Skills Certification Exam for plant operations students)
• Guaranteed interview for employment at Parkview Medical Center upon high school graduation (must meet job qualifications)
• Membership in an elite group of STEP Program graduates since 2003
• Hands-on experience to confirm interest in healthcare careers

Requirements
• Apply during the spring semester of junior year through the school counselor (applications open in February and close in March, typically the Thursday before Spring Break)
• Minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA and good standing required before interview consideration
• Program rotation is Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., during senior year (August–May)
• Includes an 18-week observation period followed by an 18-week internship
• Enrollment in a 2-credit Medical Terminology online course during the fall semester (waived if previously completed)
• Completion of Basic Life Saving (CPR) course provided through STEP
• Encouragement to pursue healthcare-related pathway certificate courses with program assistance available
• Mandatory group orientation during the summer before senior year

Health Requirements
• Flu vaccine required (October–March)
• COVID vaccination required (fully vaccinated or willing prior to participation)
• Proof of MMR and Varicella vaccination or titer results
• TSpot blood draw required to rule out tuberculosis

Contact
For more information and to apply, contact your school counselor.
(UCHealth – Parkview Health System)

Use the files below to apply to the STEP Program.

Step Application