Teachers Gain Hands-On Experience at Health Science Educators Academy

MADISON – Teachers from across Wisconsin gathered to learn more about health science classroom opportunities at Madison College on July 25-26, 2017. The Health Science Educators Academy was sponsored by the North Central and South Central regions of Wisconsin AHEC (Area Health Education Centers) and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. The academy was established to provide teachers with knowledge, training, and classroom applications for teaching secondary students as part of the healthcare pipeline.

Presentations were provided by Madison College instructors and healthcare professionals. The keynote address was The Future of Health Care: Empowered Patients and Holistic Systems. Breakout sessions focused on Nursing Careers and Physical Assessment; Vital Signs; Public Health; Pharmacy; Clinical Laboratory Science; Respiratory Therapy; Mental Health; Vision; Surgical Care and Massage Therapy; Health Information Careers; Physical Rehabilitation; Medical Simulation; and Radiography. Participants were also informed about supplies for health science classrooms, future trends and healthcare employment needs, a resource portal, and academic advising and post-secondary requirements for students pursuing health profession training programs.

The teachers were very impressed with the format and appreciated the chance to provide input on their needs in a pre-academy survey. From exploring careers in each of the above areas to experiencing hands on vital signs, laboratory experiments, and ways to save lives, participants learned valuable information to share with their students.