Nursing Preparatory Program

Teen health care exploration program

Discover Your Future in Nursing—Before College Begins

Are you a high school junior or senior curious about a career in healthcare? Do you love science, enjoy helping others, or want to explore a future in nursing? The Teen Health Care Exploration Program at St. John’s College of Nursing is your chance to experience what it’s like to work in healthcare, while you’re still in high school.

This unique, hands-on program helps you explore your interests, build your confidence, and start preparing for college-level science and nursing coursework. Whether you’re dreaming of scrubs or just starting to think about your future, this is your first step.

Why Join the Teen Health Care Exploration Program?

Discover Your “Why”
Not sure if nursing is for you? That’s okay. This program is all about helping you explore your passions and discover what truly motivates you.

Access Early Admission and Scholarship Opportunities
Students in the program may be eligible for early admission consideration or scholarships at St. John’s College of Nursing, making your goals more achievable.

Connect with Like-Minded Peers
Join a community of students just like you—motivated, curious, and exploring healthcare careers. You’ll collaborate, build friendships, and grow together.

Learn from Real Nurses and Mentors
You’ll learn directly from nursing faculty, family nurse practitioners, and healthcare professionals who will guide you through hands-on activities and share their career paths.

Experience All Aspects of Nursing
Nursing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Through lectures, labs, shadowing, and mentoring, you’ll explore a wide range of nursing specialties and career options.

Get Hands-On Experience
Practice real skills in a state-of-the-art simulation center. From physical skills training to problem-based learning and research, you’ll gain early exposure to college-level learning.

Build a Competitive College Application
Show colleges that you’re serious about your goals. This program highlights your initiative and prepares you for academic success.

Grow Your Confidence and Career Readiness
By the end of the program, you’ll have more clarity about your future—and the tools to pursue it with confidence.


What You’ll Learn

This one-year, six-week after-school program features:

  • Physical skills training
  • Guest lectures from health professionals
  • Job shadowing opportunities
  • Problem-based learning activities
  • Simulation lab sessions
  • Scientific research projects
  • College and financial aid planning seminars
  • Supplemental support in science, technology, engineering, and math
  • Mentoring modeled after real nursing education programs

Who Can Apply?

The seats are limited and allocated for the high school juniors and seniors attending one of the participating schools in Sangamon and Menard Counties:

  • Auburn High School
  • Calvary Academy
  • Glenwood High School
  • Lanphier High School
  • Lutheran High School
  • New Berlin High School
  • Pawnee High School
  • Pleasant Plains High School
  • Riverton High School
  • Rochester High School
  • Sacred Heart-Griffin High School
  • Southeast High School
  • Springfield High School
  • Tri-City High School
  • Williamsville High School

Ready to Explore Healthcare?

Take the first step toward a rewarding career. Discover your passion. Explore your future. Start your journey.

Contact your HS Guidance/Counselor for the application and internal selection process details.

[Download Program Info Sheet] 

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