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The Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization introduces new career opportunities in healthcare for students in the Watertown Central School District
WATERTOWN, NY – A new initiative is commencing throughout the North Country to engage students in health and healthcare professions via enjoyable, practical, and interactive learning experiences.
The Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization (FDRHPO) collaborates with local educational institutions to present a Scrubs Club program tailored for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Aimed at immersing students in the vibrant field of healthcare, the Scrubs Club offers direct exposure to the duties, roles, and benefits of working in this essential sector. Through captivating, hands-on exercises and interactive activities, students land the chance to engage with various careers in healthcare.
“Participating in an after-school club focused on healthcare careers provides countless advantages for young children,” observed Tara Elmer, Technology Integration and STEM K-12 educator at Watertown Central School District.
In 2024, the inaugural Scrubs Club was established at Knickerbocker Elementary School with guidance and support from Mrs. Elmer. By crafting a lively curriculum and assembling engaging content, students acquired practical experience in measuring temperatures, assessing heart rates, and much more.
“This initiative provides early access to various career possibilities, ranging from doctors and nurses to lab professionals and therapists, encouraging curiosity and enthusiasm for the industry. Through enjoyable, hands-on experiences, youngsters can cultivate essential STEM abilities while enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” she stated.
Mrs. Elmer expressed her belief that these clubs also “foster empathy and social consciousness by emphasizing the significance of aiding others while also teaching healthy practices and self-care routines. By discovering significant career pathways, children gain self-assurance, motivation, and a purposeful outlook for their future aspirations. Furthermore, these initiatives offer a secure and enriching setting where children can establish friendships and remain engaged in constructive, supervised activities after school.”
The program draws its inspiration from the Catskill Hudson Area Health Education Center’s initiative aimed at healthcare career exploration. It is designed to enthrall students and stimulate their enthusiasm for the healthcare profession. FDRHPO is thrilled to present this program in the North Country and is eager to witness its continued expansion.
“We are wholeheartedly dedicated to the ongoing expansion and prosperity of the Scrubs Club initiative as a vital component of our workforce development program within healthcare. By kindling interest in healthcare professions from an early age, we aspire to establish a strong and sustainable workforce capable of addressing the healthcare requirements of our region,” stated Pat Fontana, Deputy Director at FDRHPO.
Mr. Fontana also mentioned that FDRHPO is on the lookout for additional school districts in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties that are interested in launching Scrubs Club programs for their students. At present, the Watertown Central School District proudly hosts three clubs.
“We have full backing from educators, administrators, and parents. Participation has been remarkable. Last year we engaged ten students; this year we’ve increased to 39 and are hoping to involve another 39 students in the fall,” Mrs. Elmer commented.
Since 2008, FDRHPO has concentrated on addressing gaps in the healthcare workforce within the North Country. Leading this program is Beth Solar, Workforce Outreach Program Manager, who has over 20 years of experience as a Licensed Practical
Nurse II (LPN II) contributing to her comprehension of the significance of reaching school-aged children through this hands-on education.
“It’s remarkable to witness the excitement of elementary students when they engage with health and healthcare topics,” she remarked. “From studying wound management to exploring local hospitals, these students are increasingly becoming familiar with medical knowledge and terminology.”
She emphasized that career opportunities in healthcare extend beyond merely doctor’s offices or hospitals, a revelation that often surprises the elementary students involved in Scrubs Club.
“They are often unaware until we take them on a hospital tour that there are numerous healthcare positions that do not involve direct patient interaction,” she added.
Mrs. Solar points out that the expansion of this initiative, in collaboration with the Watertown Central School District, demonstrates the effectiveness of FDRHPO’s Health Workforce Pipeline Program in igniting interest in healthcare professions.
“Thanks to our Health Workforce programs, we have students who have participated in the Medical Academy of Science and Health (MASH) Camps, allowing them to better identify which healthcare careers they would like to pursue,” explained Mrs. Solar.
“These students have the opportunity to engage in professional job shadowing during high school and to further these experiences in college.”
“We are delighted to incorporate Scrubs Club as an additional component of the Pipeline Program and appreciate our collaboration with the Watertown Central School District in enabling this,” stated Mrs. Solar.
Scrubs Clubs are accessible to any school district in the area interested in implementing this curriculum for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
