Waukesha County students take part in interactive health care career expo

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A new study shows the United States can expect a shortage of 100,000 critical health care workers by 2028. 

An effort to put a dent in that by inspiring the next generation of workers took place in Waukesha Tuesday. 

The Waukesha County Business Alliance held an event called Discover the Future of Health Care -- an interactive expo for 1,000 local middle school and high school students.

Organizers hope the hands-on experiences will get them interested in any number of professions in health, at an earlier age. 

"I think if you talk to a lot of the people here my age, we didn't have anything like this starting at 6th grade," said Jerry Pettigrew, VP of talent, Waukesha County Business Alliance. "It's getting kids excited about what opportunities are here in Waukesha County and really all of Wisconsin."

Students got to learn about patient care, nursing, behavior health, surgery, ultrasound, and much more.