High school students get hands-on look at health care careers through UMA Medical Bootcamp

High school students sit in a UMA classroom while faculty and staff present information during a Medical Bootcamp health care career exploration event. — Oxford County high school students learn about UMA’s health care programs during the second annual Medical Bootcamp, a hands-on career exploration event offered in partnership with Community Concepts through a Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities grant.

High school students from Oxford County explored the future of health care through UMA’s second annual Medical Bootcamp, an immersive daylong event designed to help students connect their interests with in-demand career pathways across Maine.

High school students practice wound care techniques on training models during UMA’s Medical Bootcamp. — *Students learn wound care skills using medical training models and supplies.*

Two high school students in a clinical learning space, with one seated wearing a blood pressure cuff and one standing beside medical equipment. — *Students learn wound care skills using medical training models and supplies.*

Approximately 40 students took part in hands-on activities and program demonstrations led by UMA faculty and staff in nursing, medical laboratory technology, mental health and human services and dental programs. The experience gave students a closer look at the skills, settings and opportunities that shape health care careers, while showing how UMA programs can help them take the next step.

High school students in lab coats listen to a UMA medical laboratory technology demonstration in a clinical laboratory classroom. — *Students explore UMA’s medical laboratory technology program during Medical Bootcamp, gaining a hands-on look at the lab skills that support patient care.*

The participating Oxford County high schools are part of a Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities grant through Community Concepts. Through this partnership, UMA is helping expand access to career exploration for rural students and strengthening pathways into fields that support Maine’s communities.

Two smiling high school students stand in a clinical learning space, with one holding a medical device near a vital signs monitor. — *Students got to step into the role of health care professionals for the day, trying clinical tools and discovering new possibilities through UMA’s Medical Bootcamp.*

The momentum continues May 12, when UMA Bangor will host a second Medical Bootcamp for about 150 students from 12 schools in the Katahdin Region and Washington County. That event will feature UMA’s veterinary technology program along with nursing, medical laboratory technology, mental health and human services and dental programs.

UMA is helping students across Maine see what is possible in health care, one hands-on experience at a time.