Inaugural Healthcare Summer Institute Proves Popular
Spots for Saint Mary’s new Healthcare Summer Institute filled up within weeks of opening. This new pre-college program taps into the field of nursing utilizing Saint Mary’s state-of-the-art Center for Integrated Healthcare Education (CIHE). The weeklong program has proven to be highly attractive to high school students interested in nursing and other health professions, welcoming 35 participants from across the country and internationally when it begins July 16, 2023.
At the Healthcare Summer Institute, Saint Mary’s College faculty combine lessons on a variety of healthcare topics with skills practice and simulation experience, all within the showplace CIHE facility. Additional activities during the program include enacting patient care experiences with medical mannequins, health assessment skill practice, visits to local hospitals, and CPR training. Nursing majors Lydia Alexander ‘25, Kaitlyn Gornik ‘25, Emily Herman ’25, Lucy Brown ‘25, and Vanessa Celis ‘25 support the program as student mentors, lending knowledge and friendship to young high school participants.
Jennifer Riggs, faculty member in the department of nursing science, is leading the institute at Saint Mary’s. When asked why she thought this program was appealing to high school students, she said, “I believe our program offers high school students a terrific opportunity to explore an interest in healthcare,” she said. “By the end of the week, they’ll have gained insight into the healthcare field, made friends from all over the world, and earned an hour of college credit. That’s pretty cool!”
Riggs emphasized that it is important to open the doors to our department of nursing science to empower the next generation of women leaders in healthcare. Because our communities are in need of healthcare workers, “Our nursing program has an ability and a responsibility to positively impact and help grow the future of healthcare,” Riggs said, adding that, current students have an opportunity to mentor institute participants and further develop their own leadership skills. “Why wouldn’t Saint Mary’s put on this incredible program?” she asks.
July 14, 2023
