This hands-on career exploration event is designed to introduce middle and high school students to the wide variety of career paths available in hospitals and health care organizations. There are two ways hospitals and health systems can get involved.

• Host an interactive exhibit or a hands-on station showcasing an activity that lasts 5 minutes or less. Examples may include pig lungs, glow germ, ultrasound probes or X-rays. Register for an interactive exhibit.
• Participate as a Next Steps exhibitor, where students learn about programs, admissions, scholarships, apprenticeships and hiring. This track is best suited for recruiters, counselors, education partners and community organizations. Register for a Next Steps exhibitor.

Participating in this event gives your organization a chance to inspire future talent, connect with fellow health care employers, and be part of a growing ecosystem committed to career exploration and navigation. 

For more information, download the event flyer, review the overview slide deck and watch a brief video from last year’s event.

Strengthening Missouri’s health care workforce starts with early exposure among students, strong partnerships and clear pathways into health careers — and Missouri Hospital Association staff is proud to support its members through events and platforms that make those connections possible.

Recently, MHA and its affiliates and partners supported three impactful student engagement events focused on introducing young people to health care career opportunities.

On April 10, more than 150 high school juniors and seniors attended a Fast Track Your Future in Health Care hiring event, sponsored by the Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council and Real World Learning, at the Kauffman Foundation Conference Center in Kansas City, Mo.

Earlier on April 2, more than 200 high school juniors and seniors attended another Fast Track Your Future in Health Care hiring event, sponsored by the St. Louis Metropolitan Hospital Council, at SSM Health DePaul Hospital-St. Louis in Bridgeton, Mo.

Students explored direct-hire opportunities, internships and apprenticeships, earn-while-you-learn programs, tuition assistance, scholarships, and education pathways at these two events.

On March 31, more than 350 students participated in Explore Your Future in Health Care at State Fair Community College in Sedalia, Mo. MHA-member hospitals and workforce partners joined education leaders to showcase the wide range of careers available across Missouri’s health care system.

“Events like these are critical to strengthening Missouri’s health care workforce because they help students see clear, achievable pathways into health careers while giving hospitals a chance to connect early with future talent,” said Jill Williams, MHA’s vice president of workforce development.

Through events like these, workforce initiatives and resources such as MissouriHealthCareers.com, MHA supports hospitals by connecting students to meaningful career pathways, which strengthens the health care workforce in Missouri.

David Argueta, FACHE, regional president of Mercy East and Southwest communities, was elected to serve as the 2025 president of the St. Louis Metropolitan Hospital Council. His term began Jan. 1.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Hospital Council was established in January 1995 as a regional office of the Missouri Hospital Association to serve member hospitals in the bistate metropolitan area of St. Louis. Guided by member input, SLMHC’s primary goals are local representation and advocacy for member hospitals, increased public relations and media communication, and networking for joint community projects.

“David is passionate about the work hospitals do to make every health care experience a good one,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA president and CEO. “As a member of the MHA Board of Trustees, through his executive leadership at Mercy in St. Louis and with nearly 20 years of service in hospital administration, he will provide important insights into making the St. Louis community — and all of Missouri — healthier while strengthening the health care system.”

Prior to his current roles as regional president in Mercy’s East and Southwest communities, Argueta served as the chief administrative officer for five years at Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City. Before joining Mercy, he served as president of the North Houston, Texas, region of Catholic Health Initiatives — St. Luke’s Health for five years. Before joining CHI, he served in several leadership roles, including as chief operating officer at Baylor Scott and White — Hillcrest Region in Waco, Texas.

Argueta is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s of business administration and health care administration at Baylor University, in Waco, Texas.