St. Luke’s hands-on program introduces more than 400 students to health care careers
More than 400 high school students from 18 school districts have explored careers in health care through St. Luke’s University Health Network’s Hands On Immersive Experience, a program designed to provide hands-on exposure to the medical field.
Now in its third year, the program serves students in grades 9-12 by giving them opportunities to participate in interactive learning experiences at several St. Luke’s campuses, including Sacred Heart, Easton, Monroe, Lehighton and Warren.
“The goal is to give students a true feel for the field,” said Ashley Koren, volunteer engagement specialist with St. Luke’s. “We want them to see the many paths they can take and start thinking about their future.”
During the most recent school year, St. Luke’s hosted seven sessions that brought together students from multiple schools. Participants rotated through eight interactive stations focused on different aspects of health care, including CPR training, patient care simulations and other clinical activities.
According to the health network, the stations are designed to provide students with practical experience while introducing them to the wide variety of careers available in health care, from direct patient care to support services. New stations are added each year to reflect evolving career opportunities.
Panther Valley High School student Corrigan Crampsie said the interactive format made the experience memorable.
“The field trip I took to St. Luke’s was the most enjoyable educational trip I’ve ever attended,” Crampsie said. “Usually, school trips are a lot of listening to people, but this one was very interactive which is what made it so fun. I also think how hands-on it was made it very easy to learn how to wrap a tourniquet and what a concussion will feel like.”
St. Luke’s said the program is made possible through partnerships with local school districts and collaboration among departments across the health network. Organizers said the initiative aims to inspire students to consider careers in health care while helping build a future workforce.
As the program continues to expand, St. Luke’s said it remains committed to providing students with real-world experiences that help them better understand the profession and the opportunities available within it.
