Hands-On Health Days
Discover Your Future in Health Care — Free One-Day Events for High School Students
Hands-On Health Days are free, interactive one-day events for high school students who are curious about careers in health and health care. These interactive events give students a real-world look at what it’s like to work in health professions through hands-on activities, simulations, and guidance from professionals in the field.
Students can apply to attend one or multiple events to explore different career paths.
Teachers and school officials interested in bringing groups of students can contact Tyler Schmidt at tschmidt@nahec-wi.org.
What are Hands-On Health Days?
Hands-On Health Days are immersive learning opportunities where students:
- Try hands-on health-related activities
- Learn about a variety of health careers
- Interact with health care professionals and educators
- Explore education and training pathways after high school
These events are perfect for students who are:
- Interested in health care, science, or helping others
- Unsure which health career might be the right fit
- Looking for real-world experiences to inform future decisions
These events are designed to be engaging and informative. They are perfect for students who want to see what a career in health could look like. Teachers, parents and guardians are encouraged to support students in registering.
Who is Eligible to Attend?
Hands-On Health Days are designed for students within North Central Wisconsin and open to all high school youth.
Fall 2026 Hands-On Health Day Events
Marshfield Clinic Hands-On Health Day
Friday, Oct. 9, in Weston, WI
- 9 a.m.-2:15 p.m. at Marshfield Clinic
- Career Focus: Surgical Technologist, Surgeon, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Cardiac Sonography
- Priority Applications Due: TBD
10th Annual Future Physician’s Day
Friday, Oct. 30, in Wausau, WI
- 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Medical College of Wisconsin – Central WI Campus
- Career Focus: Physicians, Pathways to Careers in Medicine
- Priority Applications Due: Friday, Oct. 2
Aspirus Health
Tuesday, Nov. 3, in Wausau, WI
- 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Aspirus Wausau Hospital
- Career Focuses: Sports Medicine, Surgical Technician, Radiography, EMT, Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, Laboratory Sciences
- Priority Applications Due: Friday, Oct. 9
Dental Discovery Day
Tuesday, Nov. 24, in Eau Claire, WI
- 10:30 a.m.-3:30p.m., Chippewa Valley Technical College – Clairemont Campus
- Career Focus: Dental Assistant, Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary, Dental Hygienist, Dental Therapist, Dentist, Dental Lab Technician
- Priority Applications Due: Friday, Oct. 30
Questions? We’re here to help!
If you have questions about Hands-On Health Days, event content, or registration, contact Tyler Schmidt, tcshmidt@nahec-wi.org.
Hands-On Health Days are part of the North Central Wisconsin Area Health Education Center’s efforts to help students explore career pathways and prepare for future opportunities in health professions. Wisconsin AHEC supports health career learning across the state as part of a nationwide AHEC program to strengthen the health care workforce.
This program is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,000,000 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.