Job Description

High School Healthcare Assistant

Department: Patient Care Services
Employment Status: Part-Time | Student Position
Locations: Indianapolis, Indiana and Paoli, Indiana

The High School Healthcare Assistant is a supervised learning and employment opportunity designed for high school students who are interested in exploring careers in healthcare. Through structured educational and workplace experiences, students gain exposure to hospital operations, patient care environments, and a variety of healthcare career pathways.

Under the supervision and guidance of licensed healthcare professionals, students participate in hands-on learning experiences while supporting non-clinical and basic patient care activities. This role promotes the development of professional skills, healthcare knowledge, and career readiness while upholding the highest standards of patient safety, confidentiality, compassionate care, and service excellence.

This position is part of a three-year apprenticeship program and provides students with meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and prepare for future careers in healthcare.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in structured learning experiences, including orientation, competency-based training, simulation activities, clinical observations, and career development opportunities.
• Observe members of the healthcare team during patient care activities and hospital operations to gain insight into clinical roles and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Support patient comfort and well-being by assisting with basic, non-clinical tasks under appropriate supervision.
• Observe patients during assigned activities and promptly communicate any concerns to the supervising healthcare professional.
• Assist with preparing patient rooms, stocking supplies, and transporting equipment, materials, and other items as needed.
• Learn and apply hospital policies and procedures related to safety, confidentiality, infection prevention, professionalism, and respectful communication.
• Support the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being of patients across the lifespan.
• Assist with taking and documenting vital signs, supporting activities of daily living, and observing clinical procedures as appropriate for training and competency level.
• Utilize medical equipment and supplies in accordance with established guidelines and under supervision.
• Maintain accurate documentation and communicate effectively with members of the healthcare team.
• Engage positively with patients, families, and colleagues while supporting IU Health's mission, vision, and values.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Current high school student entering the 10th grade.
• Commitment to participate in a three-year apprenticeship program through completion of the 12th grade.
• Enrolled and in good academic and attendance standing at a local high school.
• Demonstrated interest in pursuing a healthcare-related career.
• Ability to successfully complete all required hospital orientation, training, and competency requirements.
• Successful completion of pre-employment requirements, including:
  • Background check
  • Drug screening
  • Employee health clearance
  • Required immunizations
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) is required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated commitment to professionalism, teamwork, and patient-centered care.

Experience

• 0–2 years of relevant experience preferred.
• Previous volunteer, school-based healthcare, or community service experience is beneficial but not required.

Why Join IU Health?

The High School Healthcare Assistant Program provides students with valuable real-world healthcare experience while supporting their academic and career goals. Participants gain exposure to healthcare professions, develop essential workplace skills, and build a strong foundation for future educational and career opportunities in the healthcare industry.

This role offers a unique opportunity to learn from experienced healthcare professionals while making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families.

• Indiana University Health has nearly 40,000 team members, including more than 3,600 physicians and 1,200 advanced practice providers, and we’re home to the largest nursing network in Indiana with more than 9,000 nursing team members at over 800 sites of care.
• IU Health is ranked No. 1 in Indiana by U.S. News & World Report, Riley Children's Health is ranked among the top children's hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
• A unique partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine – one of the nation’s largest medical schools – gives patients access to groundbreaking research and innovative treatments, and it offers team members access to the latest science and the very best training – advancing healthcare for all.
• With 15 hospitals, including seven with Magnet designation and eight with Pathways to Excellence designation, our team members are leading the way through excellence.
• At Indiana University Health, your personal and professional growth is a top priority. You will have access to many diverse opportunities to learn and develop in meaningful ways that matter most to you, such as advanced clinical training, leadership development, promotion opportunities and cross training development.
• Indiana University Health is invested in the lives of Hoosiers, leading the transformation of healthcare to make Indiana one of the nation’s healthiest states.