Student Career Exploration Program at UPMC in Central Pa.

Are you a student considering pursuing a career in health care? There are many specialties and areas to learn about. At UPMC in central Pa., we are committed to helping students navigate this exploration through a variety of programs.

Extreme Nurse Program

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take care of someone who is sick or recovering from surgery or another medical procedure? Come spend the day exploring a career in nursing.

UPMC in central Pa. has created an Extreme Nurse Program for high school students interested in exploring nursing as a career. This program allows students to experience a day in the life of a nurse in a wide variety of settings throughout UPMC in central Pa.

Experience the Lab

For students interested in the laboratory field, we offer a new half-day program two times each year.

The program will help students:

• Understand where diagnosis is made
• Witness the growth of living cells and bacteria
• See where blood is prepared for a transfusion
• Tour the department where scientific research is performed daily 

Destination Imaging

Have you ever wondered how our imaging technologists create impressive images of the human body on a daily basis? Come investigate a career in the field of medical imaging.

Held twice a year, UPMC in central Pa's free workshop consists of presentations about the fascinating roles of diagnostic X-Ray, ultrasound, MRI, CT, bone densitometry/mammography, interventional radiology, and educational pathways in imaging technology. Participants will attend six separate interactive presentations and learn why medical imaging is such an important part of the health care field.

Please check back for updates about the Destination Imaging Program.

For more information, contact:
Cheryl Bargo
717-652-5840 (ext. 4202)
bargoca@upmc.edu

Shadowing Opportunities

UPMC in central Pa's shadowing program allows college students age 18 or older who are planning a career in a specific health care field to observe the responsibilities and duties of hospital personnel, such as speech pathologists, medical technologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses and radiology technologists.

To participate in the shadowing program, complete the online Shadow Request form.

Your request must be submitted at least four (4) weeks prior to the desired shadow date. You will receive notification of the result of the shadow request within two (2) weeks of submission. If the department that you select is able to accommodate the request for the date and times listed, you will receive confirmation and instructions on how to proceed. You will also be notified if UPMC in central Pa is unable to accommodate your specific request. Shadows are limited to 4-8 hours.

NOTE: In order to be eligible to shadow in any department, a flu shot is required every year prior to the start of flu season. You must submit documentation of your flu shot to the department you are assigned to shadow. The documentation can be from any provider, but MUST state that you have received the flu shot for the current season.

Summer Student Program

The Summer Student Program is designed to introduce the activities of a health care institution to students, 15 years of age and older. Students who are considering medical careers or who have an interest in helping others can see first-hand how a hospital functions as they interact with patients, clinical staff and visitors. For information on our Summer Student Program, contact Volunteer Services at the UPMC West Shore campus at 717-791-2981 or the UPMC Community Osteopathic campus at 717-657-7397. Please note, students interested in participating in a senior year co-op program are asked to contact their co-op coordinator for guideline information.