BLINN HSC SUMMER SCIENCE CAMP
Ten area middle school students got an inside look at an array of healthcare careers this week during Blinn College’s first-ever Health Science Center (HSC) Summer Camp.
Bryan and College Station seventh and eighth graders explored health-related fields during the three-day camp at the College’s Health Science Center campus, a 23,000-square foot state-of-the-art facility featuring the latest clinical simulation technology.
Faculty, staff and local healthcare professionals introduced students to physical therapy, fire science, emergency medical services, dental hygiene, therapeutics manufacturing, nursing and radiology through lectures and hands-on simulation activities.
“Our goal is to introduce young students to healthcare careers, especially those less widely known,” said Kim Decker, emergency medical technician instructor. “A lot of people don’t think about physical therapy or dental hygiene when they think of healthcare. The earlier we can get them interested, the earlier they can identify their career goals.”
Camp participants were identified by their teachers as excellent students who have demonstrated an interest in science. Facilitators said each student was actively engaged in the presentations and activities and provided positive feedback for expanding the camp for years to follow.
“Middle school is the perfect time to spark a career interest,” said Sami Rahman, simulations director and camp coordinator. “Their parents may have a wish for them, and that’s nice, but if it’s something the student wants to do, it’s a different dynamic—they want it, and they’ll work for it. We’re here to give them the opportunity to figure out what they want to do as early as possible.”
For more information on the HSC Summer Science Camp, contact Sami Rahman at sami.rahman@blinn.edu.
Founded in 1883, Blinn is a comprehensive community college committed to educational excellence and to individual and community enhancement. With an enrollment of 18,413 students, Blinn ranks among the nation’s leaders in transferring students to leading four-year universities and has received national recognition for its affordable educational excellence.
As part of its commitment to student success, Blinn is currently implementing a Quality Enhancement Plan titled, “Destination Success: First-Year Focus,” which utilizes learning communities to support first-year college students.
Registration is currently available for the Fall semester. For enrollment information and to learn about financial aid opportunities, visit: www.blinn.edu. Photo and story courtesy of Blinn College.