Marshall HS students gain hands-on experience in health field
Bend’s Marshall High School has added four new academies to its curriculum this year, and one involves a health academy that provides students with a simulation learning experience.
The new medical health academy provides Marshall students with a simulation learning experience of different health occupations. Some courses offered in the program include health occupations, first aid and CPR, sports medicine and wilderness training.
” We learn by doing, and they retain that much more when they’re able to use all of their senses, ” said Heather Johnson, medical health academy instructor. ” Touching, feeling, hearing, seeing — everything is happening and obviously there is more brain retention with that. ”
The learning experience is solely in the hands of the students, and each day they are faced with a new scenario.
One student says the class is fun but also teaches important information.
” The class is kind of fun, because we get to play with toys every day, but also learn about your vital signs, your body and understanding it more, ” said Bruno Rojas. ” In terms of what the class actually does, it gives us a chance to go to the hospital and that’s really an experience that can lead you to going into the medical route. ”
On Wednesdays, students will go to St. Charles Bend to observe and participate in a real hospital setting.
In addition to the educational benefits, students learn how to take care of themselves and their loved ones.
” Even just taking my own pulse, I could never do that before, ” Autumn Carson said. ” If I feel like I am stressed out or something is going on, I can take my pulse here (at the wrist) or take it here (on the neck). I can monitor how I’m feeling and it can really help me just calm down, just knowing what’s going on with your body. ”
The $7 million bond approved by Bend-La Pine Schools voters allowed Marshall High to redesign and transform the building adding the health program. It’s the only school that offers a simulation program.
With a closer look into a variety of career opportunities, students are more likely to consider higher education, and this program also allows them to graduate from high school with college credits.
