Academy Prepares Students For Medical Career

Michelle Schlueter
1.29.08

Every morning, students in the medical science academy work toward achieving their goals in the medical field. Those who participate attend classes at both Papillon-La Vista High School and Midlands Hospital. The courses involved in the academy are anatomy and physiology and patient care certification (CNA). However, not everyone can be accepted into the medical science academy.

“It’s probably one of the most competitive academies,” counselor Renee Mead said.
Medical science academy is a two-year program. For each year, there are only about five students accepted into the academy. Usually there are 15 to 20 applicants to choose from.

“Students interested need to apply early,” Mead said.
Along with having a head start, students need to have a good GPA and good attendance, along with essay entries from both the student and parents, as well as teacher recommendations.

Once accepted, students devote the next two years to improving their skills and technical expertise. At the end of the first year, participants will have achieved their patient care certification, which allows them to pick up part-time jobs as certified nursing assistants.

“We get a lot of nursing skills that help with our careers in the future,” junior Meghan Stallings said.

Not only do the students learn in the classroom, but they also get the opportunity to learn from the professionals actually working at the hospital.

“I love job shadowing,” junior Michelle Talty said. “It’s just occasionally right now, but next year we’ll get to do more.”

Not only does the medical science academy benefit the students, but it also helps out the hospitals.

“It’s a way for us to give back to the community,” operations director Carol Maguire said. “It’s also a way for us to recruit employees.”

Whether benefiting the student or the hospital, medical science academy seems to be worthwhile.

“Medical academy is really helpful for the future,” Stallings said. “It helps us prepare for college.”