Communications

(Feb. 20, 2026) – What an exciting and fulfilling week we had hosting our fourth annual Kansas Virtual Health Care Career Day. The event continues to grow in popularity. We had more than 5,000 students from more than 250 locations join us during the event, many joining from hospital locations across the state. KHA organized the event in partnership with the Kansas Department of Education and the Kansas Board of Regents. The primary goal of the Kansas Virtual Health Care Career Day is to give students a glimpse inside Kansas hospitals to learn more about the many clinical and non-clinical career opportunities available in health care and to engage them in real-world learning.

As you might anticipate, the success of the Kansas Virtual Health Care Career Day depends on the coordinated involvement and participation of several individuals and organizations. I would like to thank each of the hospitals that collaborated with KHA to highlight several health care professions and provide a "behind the scenes" look for our attendees. The health care careers showcased during the event included radiology and imaging, pediatrics, laboratory services, advanced practice providers, social services, dietary services, EMT and paramedicine and orthopedics and sports medicine. Throughout the event, Kansas students (middle school, high school and adult learners) heard firsthand from Kansas health care professionals who explained the training required for their careers and why they believe their career choice is rewarding. Thank you to the teams at AdventHealth; Children's Mercy Hospital, Overland Park; Coffey County Hospital, Burlington; HaysMed, Hays; Kiowa County Memorial Hospital, Greensburg; Meade District Hospital/Artesian Valley Health System, Meade; Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems, Beloit; and Wilson Medical Center, Neodesha.

This event also showcases our www.HappyInHealthCare.org website. The site features a career quiz, scholarships, schools and hospital jobs, as well as many avenues to explore resources about health care careers. Each career includes information on required education, minimum salaries, job opportunities and more. The site also features maps and links to hospitals, colleges, and universities.

KHA will continue exploring new approaches to promote and support the hospital industry. If you weren't able to attend the Kansas Virtual Health Care Career Day, videos and resources will be available soon at www.HappyInHealthCare.org. Thank you again to all the hospitals that participated in this event that promotes the amazing opportunities in the health care field!
--Chad Austin