The path to learning your professional passion can include an opportunity to participate in it while in high school. A camp set for June 19-23 in NDSU’s College of Health Professions introduces high school students from rural areas to jobs in health care. The Health Occupations and Professions Exploration program gives students a behind-the-scenes view of health professions—from seeing surgical suites to cancer treatment areas, cardiac care and much more.
Students explore career options through interactive workshops, learn from professionals and college instructors, while also having the chance to experience campus life.
HOPE Camp provides students with on-the-job views of more than 18 health professions in the areas of surgery, nursing, pharmacy, ultrasound, cardiovascular, medical engineering, medical physicists, paramedics, radiographers, medical lab technicians, and many more.
This summer, more than 30 high school students from North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota are participating in the popular program, with others on a waiting list for additional opportunities as they become available.
Camp days begin with learning about health career programs. Students then visit health care facilities in the late afternoon and early evening hours so as not to disrupt patterns of patient care. Those attending the camp visit locations such as Sanford AirMed, Roger Maris Cancer Center, Cardiac Cath Lab, Sanford Children’s Hospital, Family Wellness, NDSU and the University of Jamestown Fargo campus.
“The program is possible due to a strong partnership with Sanford Health and other providers in the region,” said Dana Davis, director of outreach and community engagement in the College of Health Professions at NDSU. “Our goal is to show students from the region the career and educational opportunities they can pursue in our area.”
“Our goal for the HOPE Camp and our partnership with NDSU is to expose rural students to health occupations to help them decide if a medical profession is something they hope to pursue,” said Susie Munyer, Sanford community health improvement manager, Youth Programs and Initiatives. “The students who participate in this unique experience get a first-hand look at the exciting opportunities within the health care field.”
High school students also learn about health education options—from certificate programs to doctoral degrees. Academic advisors from the College of Health Professions and the College of Science and Math at NDSU provide information about opportunities available.
Students in NDSU’s College of Health Professions programs serve as chaperones and mentors to high school students attending the camp, sharing their college experience as they work toward careers in health care.
HOPE Camp is made possible by a Walgreens Diversity Program grant, Sanford Health and support from Dr. Kevin and Jean Melicher.
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