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

Step into the world of health care with UPMC’s dynamic shadowing program, a unique opportunity for students, visiting faculty, and individuals considering a career change into medicine or patient care. Whether you're exploring a new professional direction or deepening your current knowledge, shadowing at UPMC offers firsthand insight into clinical environments and health care roles.

To ensure a safe and supportive experience, participants must meet all outlined requirements. This includes submitting requests at least 30 days before your desired shadowing experience date and fulfilling any applicable health or immunization guidelines. Individual departments may have additional criteria, so early planning is key.

Ready to observe, learn, and be inspired? UPMC’s shadowing program welcomes your curiosity and commitment.  

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.