UPMC Williamsport - High School Co-Op Program: Fall 2026

Are you a current high school student interested in a career in healthcare? Would you love the opportunity to learn directly from a trained preceptor? If so, UPMC's High School Co-Op program might be the perfect way to spend your school semester! 

UPMC's High School Co-Op program is a paid opportunity for high school students currently enrolled in their Senior year.

About the Program

During this semester-long program, students will work a weekly shift as a Care Attendant in one of several departments throughout the hospital. Throughout the program, students will rotate through departments including the ICU, Emergency Department, Rehab, Birthplace, OR and Respiratory. Participants will also have a multi-week shadowing experience on a Med-Surg unit.

Co-op participation will occur every Wednesday from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during the fall semester, and students must participate in mandatory training in August prior to beginning their work experience. Program participants must be in good academic standing and have support from their school to participate in the co-op program. 

Care Attendants provide patient care support and observation as directed by the nurse or physician, ensuring a safe and effective environment for patient recovery. Responsibilities may include:

-          Supporting activities of daily living including bathing, feeding, transporting, and more

-          Distributing supplies and equipment

-          Performing other tasks in support of the care team

Responsibilities:

• Provides observation and direct patient care as directed by the RN including, but not limited to activities of daily living such as bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, and ambulating, as well as turning and repositioning patients. Maintains an environment conducive to patient safety and recovery including, but not limited to completing safety checks, keeping the patient room clean and organized, cleaning patient-specific equipment, changing bed linens, and emptying linen hampers. Acquires and distributes supplies and equipment to facilitate patient care delivery including, but not limited to, performing messenger functions, ordering, charging/crediting supplies, setting up patient care equipment within the scope of the Care Attendant position, and stocking patient rooms and unit supply areas. Delivers patient nourishments, fills water pitchers, and distributes patient mail as applicable if not directly with the patient. Provides feedback to the RN regarding patient care and reports changes in patient status. Completes clerical functions as needed by the department.
• Constructively receives feedback and direction. Identifies and communicates learning needs to the direct supervisor. Takes action to improve knowledge, skills, and performance. Request assistance in planning and prioritizing activities, as needed. Participates in self-review as requested by the direct supervisor.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the health care team. Demonstrates understanding of cultural diversity, horizontal violence, and impairment in the workplace. Cares for patients and self by supporting safety in the workplace. Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions, enthusiasm, motivation, and commitment to patients and colleagues.
• Assures equipment malfunctions are reported to the appropriate department. Establishes appropriate and effective communication strategies. Establishes professional and respectful interpersonal relationships. Contributes to universal patient activities including, but not limited to, responding to telephones, assisting with meal trays, and accompanying patients during transport.
• Suggests and supports changes within the department. Assumes responsibility for assignment and views problems as challenges. Demonstrates awareness of behavior on the efficient functioning of the department.
• Provides observation and direct patient care as directed by the RN including, but not limited to activities of daily living such as bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, and ambulating, as well as turning and repositioning patients. Maintains an environment conducive to patient safety and recovery including, but not limited to completing safety checks, keeping the patient room clean and organized, cleaning patient-specific equipment, changing bed linens, and emptying linen hampers. Acquires and distributes supplies and equipment to facilitate patient care delivery including, but not limited to, performing messenger functions, ordering, charging/crediting supplies, setting up patient care equipment within the scope of the Care Attendant position, and stocking patient rooms and unit supply areas. Delivers patient nourishments, fills water pitchers, and distributes patient mail as applicable if not directly with patient.
• Provides feedback to the RN regarding patient care and reports changes in patient status. Completes clerical functions as needed by department. Complies with safety policies and procedures including standard precautions and understands policies and procedures for blood borne pathogen exposure. Strictly adheres to all policies and practices relative to patient care and hospital-related information. Responds within the scope of the Care Attendant role to emergent situations. Provide one-on-one companionship/supervision with patients.
• Complies with safety policies and procedures including standard precautions and understands policies and procedures for blood borne pathogen exposure. Strictly adheres to all policies and practices relative to patient care and hospital-related information. Responds within the scope of the Care Attendant role to emergent situations. Provide one-on-one companionship/supervision with patients.
• *Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors.
• *Performs other duties as assigned.