FDRHPO understands that hands-on and observational learning experiences in a healthcare setting are crucial aspects of developing an effective healthcare workforce in the Fort Drum Region. They are also important resources for local students considering a career in healthcare, as they help many students discover a specialty that is best suited to their interests.

Currently, FDRHPO offers an observational learning opportunity for local students in grades 8-12. Continue reading below to learn more about the MASH Camp Program and other support for career exploration.

MASH Camp

Twice a year, FDRHPO partners with local hospitals and educational institutions to offer its Medical Academy of Science and Health Camp — better known as “MASH” Camp.

MASH Camp is a unique opportunity for students entering grades 8-12 to experience the healthcare world in an interactive way. It provides an opportunity for students to take advantage of and experience the field of healthcare and start their educational pathway in pursuit of a degree.

By participating in interactive, hands-on activities that highlight various career opportunities, students learn about the educational requirements, skills, typical job duties and personal qualities of specific health professionals. Involvement in MASH Camp will also increase student awareness and understanding of the hospital setting and structure. Additionally, this program provides students the opportunity to network with healthcare professionals in their community, thus building long-term mentoring relationships.

The 3-day sessions (approximately 9:00 a.m -3:00 p.m.) will help answer questions and provide students with a path to explore their options thoroughly. Regardless of the hospital placement, each day is different, providing interesting and thought-provoking exercises and real-life activities and experiences.

Where is MASH Camp held?

MASH Camp is offered will be offered at various hospitals in throughout the region (Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence County region).

In addition to the summer session, MASH Camp is offered during February’s Winter Break. Follow this link to apply.

If you have any questions regarding MASH Camp, please contact workforce@fdrhpo.org or call 315-755-2020, ext. 25.

Job Shadow Programs

Job shadowing is a beneficial situation for everyone involved: students, educators and employers. Each participant involved gains unique benefits from the experience:

For students, job shadowing offers the opportunity to learn, observe and develop relationships with healthcare professionals. It exposes them to various career possibilities in the healthcare industry, and also helps them to identify their specific areas of interest.

For educators, a job shadow placement is a great way to motivate a student in the classroom and to help affirm the value of what is taught in math and science classes. Also, having a student complete a job shadow provides an in-class resource for other students who may also have the same field of interest.

Finally, for employers, hosting a job shadow student promotes long-term mentoring relationships and helps prepare the future workforce.


How does it work?

FDRHPO offers job shadowing opportunities to both high school and post-secondary students.

A student in the High School Job Shadow Program will spend 30 hours observing in a healthcare facility and will meet with the FDRHPO Workforce Outreach Coordinator on a weekly basis. The student will complete the following assignments to help them prepare for their education and career goals: job skills training, journal entries, resume and references, mock interview, cover letter, summary report, college research, etc. Applicants selected for participation must agree to complete all supplemental assignments in addition to their hours at their designated site. This supplemental work will be assigned, collected and reviewed by the Workforce Outreach Coordinator weekly.

A student in the Post-Secondary Job Shadow Program will spend 30 hours observing in a healthcare facility and will meet with the FDRHPO Recruitment Program Manager throughout the program. Applicants selected for participation must agree to complete all supplemental assignments in addition to their hours at their designated placement site. The supplemental work will be assigned, collected and reviewed by the Recruitment Program Manager during weekly/bi-weekly visits.


How do I apply?

High school students must email a completed application to workforce@fdrhpo.org or send it to the FDRHPO office by fax or mail. All applicants will be reviewed and ranked based on the quality of their application and the availability of placement sites for their field of interest. FDRHPO works to ensure that all students have the opportunity to participate; however, due to limited capacity for placements in the community, students are encouraged to seek other volunteer opportunities while they are waiting to be a part of FDRHPO’s program.

To be eligible for the program, the applicant must:

  • Be a high school student in Jefferson, Lewis or Southern St. Lawrence County
  • Provide evidence of being in good academic standing
  • Be in high school (grades 9-12)

Once accepted into the Job Shadow program, all students will need the following:

  • A copy of an up-to-date immunization record
  • Proof of a health physical (within the past year)
  • Proof of a Tuberculosis/ppd Skin Test and results (within the past year)
  • Documentation of any allergies
  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Training & Orientation
Click here to download a High School Job Shadow Program Application

Post-secondary students must submit a completed application to the FDRHPO office by fax, mail or email to workforce@fdrhpo.org. All applicants will be reviewed and ranked based on the quality of their application and the availability of placement sites for their field of interest. FDRHPO works to ensure that all students have the opportunity to participate; however due to limited capacity for placements in the community, students are encouraged to seek other volunteer opportunities while they are waiting to be a part of FDRHPO’s program.

In order to be eligible for the program, the applicant must:

  • Be a matriculated student of a medical, behavioral or allied health post-secondary program; and
  • Provide evidence of being in good academic standing (signature of academic advisor on the application)

Once accepted into the Post-Secondary Shadow Program, all students will need the following:

  • A copy of an up-to-date immunization record
  • Proof of a health physical (within the past year)
  • Proof of a Tuberculosis Skin Test (ppd) (within the past year)
  • Documentation of any allergies
  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Training and Orientation
Click here to download a Post-secondary Job Shadow Application

Testimonials & Success Stories

observational learning

Thank you for showing me what a dentist’s daily tasks are. I learned that a dentist must not only depend on what he learns in school, but also what he learns from his work. I learned many things and gained great insight through the program. The more time I spent there, the more I wanted to continue pursuing a healthcare career.Rogelio Higby

observational learning

I have really enjoyed this opportunity. Due to this experience, I have learned a lot about being an RN that I had not previously known. I was very excited about finding a program like this because I wanted to learn more about the field before going to college. Today was an exciting day in maternity. I was lucky enough to witness the natural birth of two babies today as well as a c-section. It truly was an amazing thing to see!Elizabeth Kimmick

observational learning

The day-to-day activities of a PA were completely different than what I perceived — or what you would be led to believe on television — yet after watching the PAs interact with patients and other physicians, I knew this would be a great career for me to enter. Through these hours, I learned that I want stability in my future career, as well as a certain level of social interaction. Through this program, I also found that northern New York, and Samaritan Medical Center in particular, would be a place I would return to after finishing my education.Madeline Wetterhahn

observational learning

Through my internship, I learned a lot about how common infectious diseases are treated and what exactly an infectious disease specialist actually does. Excluding the way the program helped me determine whether or not I will continue on my chosen career path, it also will help me show medical school admissions officers that I know what I am getting myself into. It was important to get a feel for the medical profession before applying to medical schools, and just as important to show medical schools that I have spent time in a clinical setting.Lauren Wetterhahn

observational learning

I believe that this internship was extremely beneficial to my future education and career. This learning experience has helped to solidify my decision to become a Medical Technologist and to work in a clinical laboratory setting. I am very happy with my experience as well as very grateful for the opportunity that I was given.Madalynn Zocco

observational learning

It was extremely refreshing to follow someone so approachable and willing to answer my questions. It was great to hear their career advice and to discuss some aspects of their career choice. I had a great time and each day I left the clinic with far greater insight into medicine than I had expected…and it was all among great company!Marc Delaney

 


Want to learn more?

If you have questions about FDRHPO’s health workforce priorities or initiatives, our workforce team can help you out! Get to know us below to see who might be your best contact.

 

Pat Fontana
Deputy Director
Beth Solar
Workforce Outreach Coordinator