JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — A group of Jamestown High School students were provided a firsthand look at a variety of healthcare careers during a recent visit to UPMC Chautauqua hospital in Jamestown.
The ninth graders, who are part of SUNY Jamestown Community College’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) program, received a guided tour and witnessed hands-on demonstrations from professionals throughout the hospital.
In the microbiology lab, they observed bacterial cultures and learned how lab professionals test for pathogens. Moving to the chemistry lab and blood bank, they saw how blood is processed, stored, and analyzed for patient care.
During a visit to the radiology department, they discovered how advanced imaging technologies assist in diagnosis and treatment. In the physical and occupational therapy outpatient unit, they learned about rehabilitative therapies that help patients regain function and independence.
The students also participated in a respiratory therapy demonstration with pig lungs and heart, helping them better understand respiratory and cardiac anatomy in a clinical context.
“This immersive experience provided students with a firsthand look at the many career paths available in the healthcare industry and sparked interest in future educational and professional opportunities,” said Nichole Segrue, JCC’s GEAR UP program director. “We’re thankful for UPMC Chautauqua for welcoming our students and providing such a meaningful, real-world learning experience.”
JCC GEAR UP is part of NY GEAR UP, a federally funded program administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation. The initiative offers academic support, mentoring, and college and career readiness opportunities to students throughout the state.
The JCC program has supported a cohort of current ninth-grade students at Jamestown and Dunkirk schools since seventh grade and will continue to guide them through their first year of college.