Summer Academy Gives Future Health Care Students a Head Start

 
More than 50 potential future medical professionals participated in the ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy, June 16-21.
 
Truman, in partnership with A.T. Still University, hosted high school students interested in a career in the health care field for a weeklong academy. Under the guidance of faculty members from Truman and ATSU, students participate in hands-on activities and stimulating discussions on both campuses.  
 
“Throughout the week I heard over and over how excited the students were about getting to do actual hands-on activities and learning about so many options in health care,” said Jeanne Harding, director of Truman’s Institute for Academic Outreach. “The collaboration between the medical school and the University is a stellar partnership that allows the academy to happen.”
 
On the Truman campus, students were able to use the nursing simulation lab, the Speech and Hearing Clinic, athletic training facilities and the new virtual anatomy lab. During excursions to the ATSU campus, student activities took place in the ultrasound lab and the dental simulation lab. They also got to tour the Museum of Osteopathic Medicine.
 
Throughout the week, academy participants learned about various careers in nursing, neurobiology, chiropractic care, biomechanics, physical therapy, counseling, emergency response and dentistry from doctors, nurses and health care practitioners. Students were also able to engage in a number of fun events, including a planetarium show, a scavenger hunt and bowling.
 
The ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy is open to any high school students who have completed 9th, 10th or 11th grade. Applications open in November with the academy taking place each June. For more information, visit healthcareacademy.truman.edu or contact Truman’s Institute for Academic Outreach at hca@truman.edu or 660.785.5384.