JAMESTOWN, N.D. (JRMC) – Risk rooms, elbow splits and suture stitches.

Nearly 60 area students experienced hands-on activities, exposing them to careers in healthcare.

Jamestown Regional Medical Center hosted its annual Scrubs Academy May 9-10 in Jamestown.

Scrubs Academy encourages high school students from across North Dakota to pursue a career in healthcare. Students participate in hands-on activities and receive information related to a variety of healthcare professions. The academy is an engaging and fun way for high school students to learn about healthcare within a healthcare environment.

“Scrubs Academy is a good opportunity for someone interested in learning about what careers are available to them. Students often think of doctors and nurses, however, they don’t always consider radiology, laboratory, athletic training or any of the other options a career in healthcare offers,” said Trisha Jungels, JRMC Chief Nursing Officer.

Students attended Jamestown High School, Pingree-Buchanan, Gackle, Edgeley and Medina.

This year, students participated in a variety of activities, including:

• a hands-on surgery center featuring laparoscopic equipment, a suture station and calf hearts
• how to wrap and splint athletic injuries
• how to reduce hazards in a patient room

North Dakota, like most rural states, has a growing need for more healthcare professionals. The Scrubs Academy is one of the ways medical centers and the state work together to excite young people about healthcare careers, said Deb Fischer RN, Health Science Careers instructor at James Valley Career & Tech Center.

“Scrubs Academy is a great opportunity for students to learn about careers in an industry we all need and rely upon,” she said.

To learn more about Scrubs Academy, call (701) 952-1050.

Article and photo by Ally Nill