R.E.A.C.H.
Research and Explore Awesome Careers in Healthcare
Research and Explore Awesome Careers in Healthcare. REACH is a half-day or day-long camp for high school students to explore careers in the medical field at their local healthcare facility, or on campus at University of Montana or Missoula College
Teachers can schedule a REACH camp at the University of Montana/Missoula College or at a local healthcare facility by emailing Jillian Hull, Career Awareness Program Manager for WMT-AHEC at jillian.hull@umt.edu
Campus-based camps typically last 3-4 hours so it is best to plan to either complete the camp before or after lunch. Teachers and students can visit the UM Food Zoo or UC for lunch and have a meeting with UM campus admissions! REACH camps are currently limited to 40 students/camp, camps may be split into two days to accomodate larger groups.
Possible station topics in the R.E.A.C.H. Program
Lab
Students learn about the human anatomy and are able to handle and inspect a cadaver and various organs learning about their systems firsthand.
Medical Assisting
Students learn how to check blood sugar levels, how to conduct EKG tests, splinting and isolette procedures, how the machines work, and how to insert a needle using oranges.
Radiology
Students X-ray a classmate's hand or ankle and learn how to read the results. They also see the technology involved and take their X-ray home on a CD.
Physical Therapy
Students are led in a variety of exercises for recovery, including stability ball, weights and bands. They also conduct manual muscle tests.
Respiratory Therapy
Students discover the importance of respiratory therapists who treat a range of patients, from premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed to elderly people with lung disease. Learners practice different techniques for giving oxygen, manage ventilators, and administer respiratory tests.
EMT/Life Flight
Students tour an ambulance and life flight helicopter and learn what to do and expect as the first to arrive on a scene. Volunteer students are put in a neck brace and on a backboard and transferred to an ambulance.
Nursing/Clinic
Students learn how to take a patient's vitals and blood pressure, test for strep throat, and assess symptoms. They also gain an understanding of the role of a clinic nurse.
