The new school year signaled the start of a new program at Holy Family High School in Glendale for students interested in health care careers.

The Health Care Institute, a bridge program with Glendale Memorial Hospital and Glendale Community College, is a two-year track that offers an advanced health science curriculum utilizing laboratory equipment at GCC and providing hands-on experience at the hospital.

The 22 junior and senior students enrolled in the program will have an opportunity to experience different facets of health care, including direct patient care and rehabilitation services. As part of their courses at Holy Family, the students will take anatomy/physiology and biochemistry. They will also be earning Christian Service hours toward graduation with their volunteer work at the hospital averaging two hours a week per student.