Students Learn about Healthcare Field

Zanesville,OH- Some local students got a hands-on look at the world of healthcare, thanks to HEAT camp at Ohio University Zanesville.

The healthcare exploration and training camp, better known as HEAT welcomed incoming 7-9th graders for a hands-on, immersive experience into the world of health professions. Students rotated through simulations and lab activities, learning everything from taking vital signs to trying out therapy techniques.

“We have critical care in which they were learning to listen to breath sounds, heart sounds. They were also doing CPR or learning how to shock a heart back into rhythm as well as to do CPR and just some basics of that,” explained Teresa Polen assistant professor of nursing at OUZ. “They will also learn a little bit about insulin injections, they’re learning how to wrap an ace wrap on to an extremity. They are learning how to remove stitches.”

Healthcare professionals and educators led the day, sharing their knowledge and giving students a glimpse into careers in nursing, radiology, respiratory therapy and more. The goal was to spark early interest and show that a future in healthcare in within reach.

“I think it’s sometimes hard within communities for them to have these experiences,” said Associate Professor of Nursing at OUZ Christy Watson. “And fortunately, as a regional campus, we can connect with them. And middle school is really a prime age when they start to think about future careers so that they can plan their high school class work and course work to really prepare them for that next step in higher education.”

This was the fourth year for the HEAT Camp.