McKenzie Health System Hosts Healthcare Career Exploration Tours for Local Students

McKenzie Health System recently welcomed 35 ninth and tenth grade students from all seven Sanilac County school districts for an immersive hospital tour as part of the Thumb Community Health Partnership’s High School Pipeline Program.

The students are currently participating in the eight-week program, which provides hands-on exploration of health and human service careers across the Thumb region. During their visit to McKenzie, students gained a behind-the-scenes look at how a rural hospital operates and the many career paths available within healthcare.

Throughout the tour, students rotated through several departments and participated in interactive learning experiences designed to bring healthcare careers to life. Departments included pharmacy, dietary, nursing, diagnostic imaging, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.

Students learned how prescriptions are filled in the pharmacy, practiced placing an NG tube on a mannequin during nursing activities, and explored advanced diagnostic technology such as CT scans and ultrasound. In dietary, they discovered the importance of thickened liquids for certain patients, and in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, they learned about the critical role physical recovery and exercise play after a cardiac or pulmonary event.

“These tours give students a meaningful look at the many career opportunities available in healthcare, right here in their own community,” said Nina Barnett, Public Relations. “We are proud to support the exploration of healthcare careers for local youth and to partner with the Thumb Community Health Partnership in building a strong future workforce.”

McKenzie Health System remains committed to supporting educational opportunities that inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals and strengthen access to care across rural communities. By partnering with the Thumb Community Health Partnership and local school districts, McKenzie continues to invest in programs that encourage students to explore rewarding careers in healthcare close to home.

To learn more about the Thumb Community Health Partnership, visit https://www.thumbhealth.org/ For more information about McKenzie Health System, visit www.mckenziehealth.org