Students at Fulton’s G. Ray Bodley High School recently had the opportunity to explore the healthcare field with unique, hands-on experiences. The school’s Career Exploration Center hosted a two-day seminar hosted by Mary Cupelo from The Central New York Area Health Education Center (CNYAHEC). Cupelo works with students in 14 counties to promote careers in healthcare and engages students in games and unique technological opportunities.

Cassandra Clark’s health classes tested their knowledge of careers in healthcare that require varying degrees of education and training. Students then worked in teams to define a multitude of health-related careers and what education and training would be needed for each.

“I am amazed at just how many health-related careers there are,” noted Justin Wallace, one of Clark’s students. “And so many require two or less years of training.”

Students also used virtual reality headsets to complete several different simulations. They were able to gain virtual experience completing such tasks as checking vital signs, performing sonograms, giving injections, performing CPR and utilizing health-related data to make real-time patient care decisions.

Angela Ferlito, Career Exploration Center Coordinator at GRB praised the event for Fulton students. “This was a wonderful opportunity. Students who previously had no interest in the healthcare field were asking for additional information about certain career,” she noted. “Mary Cupelo from CNYAHEC was wonderful. I plan to offer more of these types of opportunities for students in the spring.”