Kootenai Health launches new career conference

COEUR d'ALENE – Kootenai Health is launching a new student engagement initiative designed to inspire and educate the next generation of healthcare professionals through its new High School Student Career Conference. 

The conference-style experience offers high school students a unique opportunity to explore healthcare careers, connect with professionals, and complete job shadow hours required for senior projects and Future Readiness initiatives.

“Healthcare is filled with rewarding career opportunities, and we want students to see firsthand the many pathways available to them,” said Kelly Wolfinger, talent acquisition manager at Kootenai Health

Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, students can participate in either a half-day or full-day experience featuring interactive demonstrations, hands-on learning activities, virtual behind-the-scenes tours, networking opportunities, and career exploration sessions with healthcare professionals from a variety of clinical and non-clinical disciplines.

The new conference format replaces individual one-on-one high school job shadows and will allow significantly more students to gain meaningful exposure to healthcare careers.

“The High School Student Career Conference creates an engaging, interactive environment where students can connect with professionals, learn about different roles, and begin envisioning their future in healthcare," Wolfinger said. "We’re excited to welcome students from across our region and help inspire the next generation of caregivers and healthcare leaders.”

Students attending the conference will learn about educational requirements, daily responsibilities, and career pathways while gaining real-world insights into healthcare. The experience supports Future Readiness Project requirements while helping students make informed decisions about college, training programs, and future careers.

Conference dates for the 2026-2027 school year include: Oct. 2; Oct. 16; Nov. 20; Dec. 11; Jan. 22; and Feb. 19.

Counselors, teachers, and school partners are encouraged to help connect students with this opportunity and attend alongside participating students. 

Registration will open in early September on the Kootenai Health Careers website, where students can select the conference date and session that best aligns with their interests and goals.

For more information, visit kh.org or contact the Kootenai Health recruiting team at [email protected] or 208-625-4620.