During the last week of June, 19 high school students came to the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh to explore the many careers, opportunities and technologies the healthcare field has to offer.
The Health Careers Camp–Fox Valley is intended for youth entering grades 11 and 12 and incoming first-year college students. The camp introduces participants to a variety of healthcare professions as they begin to pursue higher education.
Campers stayed at UW Oshkosh for five days and four nights as they learned about leadership, diversity awareness and higher education admissions and degree programs. While on campus, participants toured both the College of Nursing (CON) and the athletic training department.
Through the CON, students spent time in the practice lab engaging in hands-on activities, including syringe preparation, basic injection methods and CPR.
Campers followed up in the Kolf Sports Center where they toured the athletic training facilities and discussed sports medicine opportunities and curriculum.
In addition to the two UWO entities, Pam Witt-Hillen, a flight nurse with ThedaStar Air Medical Transport, was on site to talk about her unique area of expertise; Witt-Hillen spoke of the challenges, opportunities and rewards she encounters through her work.
The campers’ rigorous schedule took them all over the Fox Valley to schools and healthcare organizations, including Moraine Park Technical College, Marian University, Agnesian Hospital, Aurora Hospital, Fox Valley Technical College and the Orthopedic and Sports Institute of the Fox Valley.
Topics covered during the camp comprised anatomy and radiology; health and wellness; health information; and human resources interviewing and professionalism. The students also learned about a variety of health therapies, including physical, occupational, speech, respiratory, art and massage.
Throughout the week, the campers were introduced to a number of physician’s assistants, medical students, medical assistants and lab techs, providing great one-on-one learning opportunities.
The health careers camp is a collaboration between the Northeastern Wisconsin Area Health Education Center (NEWAHEC), the Lakeshore Health Care Alliance and the Fox Valley Health Care Alliance.
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