Rockland BOCES is home to the New Visions Health Careers Exploration Program, a highly competitive opportunity providing selected students with unparalleled, real-world experience. Participants engage in extensive clinical rotations across various healthcare settings and work alongside a wide array of practicing medical professionals. This specialized program allows students to acquire an immense knowledge of the day to day operations and critical aspects of modern healthcare facilities and hospitals.
Alina Mundankel, a 2024 graduate of Clarkstown High School South, completed the program her senior year, and is now enrolled in a BS/MS program at Le Moyne College. Reflecting on her experience, Alina strongly encourages students to apply. She stated,“It was such a great experience and it really helped me decide what career I wanted to go into in the medical field.” She also added that “being a part of the program definitely gives you a leg up if you’re looking to apply to competitive medical programs.”
Alina’s most rewarding rotation was at Kayal Orthopedics where she gained exposure to an array of professions, including an Orthopedic PA, doctors, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, and Chiropractors.
The New Visions Open House on Wednesday, December 10th, provided valuable insight into the program. All 16 newly accepted students shared their experiences at recent clinical sites, highlighting the immense real world experiences this program offers. Program director, Mrs. Coffey, also delivered essential advice, emphasizing the importance of a strong application interview and the necessary requirements: a minimum 93 GPA and reliable personal transportation. She concluded by detailing the exceptional careers and unmatched practical application that New Visions alumni achieve.
Currently, Albert Ouseph, a senior at Clarkstown High School South, is benefiting from the half day schedules that BOCES offers. When asked what his favorite part about being in the program is, he highlighted that “the program is an amazing opportunity to further my medical knowledge, and missing school for half of the day is a great plus.” Like Alina, as of right now, Albert favors Orthopedic Surgery.
Additionally, Rhia Kandamkulathy, a senior at Clarkstown North High School, is currently enrolled in the program, and, like Albert, she agrees that “The best part of New Visions is definitely the ability to leave school and get a real-world experience.” She highlights the opportunity to spend her day “doing something [she is] actually interested in rather than being stuck in a classroom.” Beyond the hands-on learning, Rhia appreciates the program’s intimate setting, noting the small class size. Rhia’s favorite rotation as of now is her placement at the Rockland Urgent Care.
Overall the New Visions program stands out as a unique and transformative opportunity for students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare. Through exposure to diverse medical professions and a supportive learning environment, this program provides students with a strong foundation for success in competitive medical pathways. For motivated students seeking real-world experience and early insight into the medical field, New Visions continues to be an invaluable stepping stone.
