High School Students Explore Health Careers at SUNY Canton

For the second year, area high school students visited SUNY Canton for a full week of health-related classes during the Northern Area Health Education Center (NAHEC) Medical Academy of Science and Health (MASH) camp.

The immersive program provides hands-on opportunities for students who wish to explore health careers. MASH campers explored the Nursing, Veterinary Technology, Health and Fitness Promotion, Applied Psychology, Health Care Management, and Physical Therapist Assistant programs.

Zoee Cook, a student from Massena Central High School, particularly enjoyed the time she was able to spend with the Nursing program. “I liked that we got to practice suturing on fake skin,” Cook said noting that their class visited the college’s simulation-hospital with the lifelike animatronic patients.

Jack Normile, a student from Potsdam High School, said he liked the day they spent with faculty members from the Physical Therapist Assistant program and is considering it as a field of study. “I learned that I could use electrotherapy to help people relearn how to use their muscles,” he said. “That was very interesting.”

Many of the students said they most enjoyed earning their CPR certifications with SUNY Canton’s EMS Squad.

“MASH Camp at SUNY Canton is exactly the kind of hands-on experience that helps address real workforce shortages, especially in high-need fields like healthcare and veterinary care,” said Assemblymember Scott Gray who stopped in to see what the students were learning. “By introducing high school students to these career paths and the education required to get there, this program is helping build the next generation of professionals the community depends on. It was a pleasure to visit with the students today and see their curiosity and enthusiasm firsthand.”

NAHEC Center Directory Emily Ehrensperger added. “MASH Camp gives students a meaningful, hands-on introduction to healthcare careers while building confidence and practical skills that will serve them well in the future. We’re grateful to SUNY Canton for their partnership and to Assemblyman Scott Gray for taking the time to connect with students and support the next generation of healthcare professionals.”