29 Southeastern PA High School Students Are Examining Health Care Careers Up Close at WCU’s Health Career Summer Academy
Examining lungs…Hearing the heartbeat of a simulated patient…Exploring a working ambulance up close & checking-out the life-saving tools emergency responders use …Receiving training/certification in CPR & AED… From now through August 4, 9:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., 29 high school youth from Coatesville, Downingtown, West Chester, and Delaware County are engaging in stimulating hands-on learning sessions at the University’s new Sciences and Engineering Center & The Commons (SECC), 155 University Avenue in West Chester, as well as other on-campus locations, to learn how they can make a significant difference as health care professionals.
At a time when the spotlight remains focused on lifesaving health care and science, the high school students are discovering what it is like to be an athletic trainer, nurse, physician assistant, registered dietitian, respiratory therapist, and many other health science professionals during an immersive Health Career Summer Academy hosted by West Chester University’s College of Health Sciences. The two-week immersion experience is introducing exciting health care careers to high school-age youth who might not otherwise have opportunities to explore and consider such vital professions. The program is being organized in partnership with the Justamere Foundation.
The high school students will be engaged in the following very visual and interactive, hands-on activities:
DAY: TUESDAY, August 1
TIME: 9:45 – 10:45 a.m.
LOCATION: Sciences, Engineering Center & The Commons (SECC), 155 University Avenue, West Chester, PA
ROOM: Ground Floor, Room #112
- “Stop-the-Bleed” first-aid activity with students making tourniquets and checking-out
a variety of different wound dressings.
DAY: WEDNESDAY, August 2
TIME: 9:45 – 10:45 a.m.
LOCATION: Sciences, Engineering Center & The Commons (SECC), 155 University Avenue, West Chester, PA
ROOM: Ground Floor, Room #112
- Chester County Highway Safety Project Coordinator Erin Grandizio will lead the high
school students in an interactive game about road safety & the dangers of driving
under the influence (DUI).
DAY: WEDNESDAY, August 2
TIME: 11 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Sciences, Engineering Center & The Commons (SECC), 155 University Avenue, West Chester, PA
ROOM: Ground Floor, Room #112
- Utilizing foods from across the grocery store aisles, Registered Dietitian Jena Wood
will lead the students in an interactive discussion about common food misconceptions,
label reading, and how to plan balanced meals and snacks.
DAY: Thursday, August 3
TIME: 9:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
LOCATION: In front of Sturzebecker Health Sciences Center, 855 South New Street, West Chester, PA
- Students will interact with a working ambulance and the life-saving tools emergency
responders use in medical emergencies! Good Fellowship Ambulance Company will park
their ambulance in front of Sturzebecker Health Sciences Center for the students’
examination.
“The College of Health Sciences is committed to showing students of all ages the many career opportunities that exist to be health professionals and lifelong learners who can really make a difference in our world,” said Scott Heinerichs, dean of WCU’s College of Health Sciences and professor of sports medicine. “This initiative speaks directly to our commitment to provide access to all students and to make a difference in our Commonwealth. We are proud to be able to offer such a compelling program to these outstanding youth.”