In our ongoing commitment to providing enriching educational experiences, our healthcare sciences programs have actively engaged students in work-based learning opportunities that bridge classroom theory with practical application. Through immersive experiences like the Virtual Operating Room (OR) simulation and hands-on sessions with industry professionals, students have deepened their understanding of medical terminology and clinical skills while gaining valuable insights into the realities of healthcare practice.
One recent endeavor involved participants from the P-TECH Medical Terminology and Career & Technical Education (CTE) Medical Terminology classes, who were invited to partake in a Virtual OR experience on February 16. Students immersed themselves in a simulated surgical environment, donning personal protective equipment (PPE) as they observed a Total Thyroidectomy procedure. Throughout this experience, students actively utilized their medical terminology skills, identifying and deciphering medical terms relevant to the procedure. This hands-on observation gave them a unique opportunity to visually comprehend the intricacies of a real-world medical intervention, enhancing their understanding of medical terminology in practice.
Similarly, on February 14, our collaboration with Victoria College instructor Ricky DeLaGarza and Victoria Fire Department Captain Dana Woodward facilitated an engaging session for Practicum of Health Science students at the Career & Technology Institute. This session focused on Electrocardiogram (EKG) rhythms and their practical application. Through interactive demonstrations and practice sessions, students gained proficiency in applying EKG leads and interpreting EKG strips. They learned to distinguish between normal sinus rhythms and emergent/life-threatening rhythms while mastering the correct placement of EKG leads. By directly applying their classroom knowledge to these practical scenarios, students reinforced their theoretical understanding and honed essential clinical skills for their future careers in healthcare.
On March 7, 34 students from three practicum classes visited Citizens Hospital’s emergency department, trauma units, med/surge floors, pharmacy, operating room, labor and delivery, radiology department, and morgue as part of a work-based learning field trip. The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Practicum allowed the students to split into three groups and led them on walking tours of the facility, where they learned about the hospital, employment, and training opportunities. They were also provided with Citizens Hospital swag for their engagement in a great lesson in professionalism, resumes, cover letters, and interview techniques from Citizens Human Resources Recruiter Danielle Garcia. The Director of Education, Rachel Clark, RN, BSN, spoke to the students in the classroom this past October and has been putting together the tour for them since her visit. The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and several have signed up for one-on-one job shadowing.
These work-based learning initiatives represent a significant milestone in our commitment to providing holistic education in healthcare sciences. By integrating immersive experiences and hands-on learning opportunities into our curriculum, we aim to empower students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to excel in the dynamic field of healthcare. We are immensely proud of our students' dedication and enthusiasm in embracing these opportunities, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to cultivate the next generation of competent and compassionate healthcare professionals.