Unlock the Future of Healthcare with Central Lakes College
Introduction to the Mobile Healthcare Unit
The mobile healthcare unit brought by Central Lakes College is a game-changer. It is equipped with all the necessary tools and supplies, including real needles and various medical equipment donated by local facilities like Lakewood Health. This unit has been making its rounds, stopping by Brainerd High School on Tuesday and then at Pequot Lakes High School's career fair the next morning. It offers a hands-on experience that engages students and helps them understand what a career in healthcare truly entails.Jennifer Chock, the college's Healthcare Outreach Specialist, is at the forefront of this initiative. She takes the time to explain different healthcare careers such as nursing, surgical tech, and radiological tech to the students. She also answers all their questions, whether it's about the cost of college or careers that don't involve direct patient care like coding and scribes.
One of the unique features of the mobile unit is the little mannequins that students can use to give injections. This hands-on approach has been highly appreciated by the students, as it makes the learning experience more immersive and memorable.
Addressing Student Concerns
Students often have concerns about the cost of college and the nature of healthcare careers. Chock addresses these concerns by providing information about scholarships and different career options that don't involve direct patient contact. This helps students make more informed decisions about their future.For example, she explains that there are careers in healthcare such as coding and scribes that offer different opportunities. These careers require different skills and educational paths, but they still play an important role in the healthcare industry.
By addressing these concerns, Central Lakes College is helping students explore different career pathways and find the one that suits them best.
The Importance of the Initiative
Given the shortage of workers in healthcare, Central Lakes College's initiative is crucial. It is striving to educate the next generation about the various career pathways in the industry through initiatives like the mobile healthcare unit.Principal Aaron Nelson of Pequot Lakes High School emphasizes the importance of this initiative. He says, "Our kids are taking that step from academic learning to real-world application. They want to know how to become informed about the skills and training needed for different healthcare careers. Our partnership with CLC helps us provide these answers and guide our students."
The mobile unit and other initiatives by Central Lakes College are playing a pivotal role in addressing the healthcare workforce shortage and preparing the next generation for successful careers in healthcare.
Future Plans
Chock will bring the mobile unit back to Pequot Lakes High School in January for an anatomy class. Along with the unit, she will also bring a virtual reality setup that simulates treating a patient. This will provide an even more immersive learning experience for the students.The virtual reality setup allows students to practice their skills in a safe and controlled environment. It helps them develop a better understanding of the procedures and techniques involved in healthcare.
These future plans demonstrate Central Lakes College's commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare education and preparing students for successful careers in the field.