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Five William Paterson University students—all biology majors pursuing the pre-medical professions track—had the opportunity to get real-world exposure to various medical disciplines during a recent five-week job shadowing program at St. Joseph’s Health.
The program, which grew out of conversations between St. Joseph’s Health and the University’s Career Development Center, provided the students with direct access to five different areas of the hospital: the intensive care unit, pharmacy, emergency department, and medical surgical unit at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, and the physical therapy department at St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center, adjacent to the WP campus.
“Students were able to learn about the different roles and daily responsibilities and expectations of positions in these areas,” says Glenn Guinto, program manager of the Center for Education Development at St. Joseph’s Health. “Such an experience can give students an understanding of what it takes to be successful in healthcare, clarify career pathways, and build opportunities to navigate and network through our healthcare system.”
The program is part of the University’s Career Experience Program, which ensures that every WP student builds career-ready skills as part of their college journey. Through the Career Development Center’s PowerPath initiative, students have access to recently expanded options such as job shadowing, micro-internships, job simulations, and industry field trips, giving them the opportunity to explore and observe career roles in the workplace.
“Partnering with St. Joseph’s Health for our new Pre-Health Job Shadowing Program is an exciting way to expand the hands-on experiences in our PowerPaths Career Experience Program,” says Mary Alice Barrows, director of William Paterson’s Career Development Center. “A valued partner and top employer of our graduates, St. Joseph’s offers students the chance to explore diverse healthcare careers, earn hours for graduate or medical school, and build the skills and connections that set them apart. Opportunities like this give our students the confidence, clarity, and competitive edge to take the next step toward their goals, and we look forward to creating more partnerships that open doors for their futures.”
Each student rotated through the five units at St. Joseph’s, shadowing professionals in the department. Chelsy Kizito, who will be entering her junior year in the fall, says that as a first-generation college student pursuing medicine, she often finds herself navigating the path with less background knowledge and resources than some of her peers. “Opportunities like this are invaluable for bridging that gap,” she says. “It made such a difference that the University ran this program because that made it so accessible.”
Kizito says that in addition to gaining a clearer understanding of hospital operations, she learned what it takes to be a great healthcare professional, including essential skills such as critical thinking, attention to detail, and teamwork. “By engaging in meaningful conversations with professionals in different roles, I was able to learn more than I ever expected,” she adds. “One of the most powerful lessons I learned was about empathy. Being in close contact with people who were experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives showed me the importance of compassion in medicine.”
Ultimately, the experience strengthened her decision to pursue a career in medicine. “It deepened my understanding of the path ahead and helped me reflect on how my personality and strengths align with a future as a physician,” Kizito says. “I now have a greater appreciation not only for doctors and nurses but also for the many healthcare workers who make patient care possible. The experience motivated me to start looking into roles like pharmacy technician or patient care technician as meaningful steps which will give me clinical experience but also fulfilling work as I move toward my long-term goal of becoming a physician.”
Chrystell Huyhua, who is entering her senior year, says that getting shadowing hours can be difficult since most healthcare professionals have a busy schedule and limited availability. “It's even more difficult getting to shadow multiple healthcare units,” she adds. “This program allowed students to easily shadow multiple healthcare departments in a month and get a closer look at what being a healthcare professional is all about.”
Huyhua says each rotation brought valuable lessons, from how to stay calm under pressure to the importance of teamwork and communication. She was able to connect with a wide range of healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, and physical therapist.
“The program really helped solidify my future plans of becoming a physician assistant (PA),” Huyhua says. “It motivated me to keep pushing forward in my biology studies even when things get tough. College can be overwhelming at times, but this experience reminded me why I started this path in the first place, and it gave me the confidence to keep going no matter what obstacles come my way.”
Guinto says he was gratified to hear that the students had a great experience, and he looks forward to continuing the program with another group of William Paterson students. “Many students are not fully aware of the career opportunities in healthcare or really know what the job entails,” he says. “By increasing awareness, we help students make informed decisions about their education and career paths, which in the end, helps fill critical roles within the industry. It also helps position St. Joseph’s Health as an employer of choice by showcasing our dedication to mentoring and nurturing future healthcare professionals.”
Alma Diaz-Muhammad, assistant director of WP’s Career Development Center, echoes Guinto’s enthusiasm about the program. “We are grateful for partnerships with dedicated employers like St. Joseph’s Health, as opportunities like this truly make a difference in students’ lives,” she says. “These experiences help students connect what they’re learning in the classroom to real-world career paths, expanding their understanding of what’s possible. We deeply appreciate the commitment to mentorship and look forward to continuing to empower students through meaningful, purpose-driven experiences.”
The program is set to run again in summer 2026.
