RCC Hosts Health-STEM and Health Science Explorers Camps to Inspire Future Healthcare Professionals
Middle and high school students from across the Rappahannock region gathered this summer at Rappahannock Community College (RCC) to participate in the Health-STEM Camp in June and the Health Science Explorers Camp in July. These immersive, hands-on camps offered students a unique opportunity to explore a variety of healthcare careers, earn certifications, and engage in real-life learning experiences guided by industry professionals.
Camp participants explored potential career paths in Nursing, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Dental, Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS), Physical Therapy, and Pre-Med. Students earned their Stop the Bleed certification, practiced sutures, constructed healthcare sensors, participated in emergency simulations using “Susie,” a high-fidelity medical mannequin, and created dental molds and impressions—gaining a true sense of what it takes to work in the healthcare field.
RCC extends sincere appreciation to Belfield Physical Therapy, VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital, Dameron Family Health & Wellness, Chandler Family Dentistry, Claude Moore Opportunities, Bay Consortium Workforce Development Board, Germanna Dental Program Head, RCC IT Staff, and RCC Health Sciences Faculty for generously sharing their health profession expertise. Their involvement was instrumental in exposing students to real-life experiences and the diverse nature of careers in healthcare.
“These camps are an exciting way for students to discover healthcare fields early, build valuable skills, and connect with RCC as a steppingstone to their future careers,” said Stacie Wind, Healthcare Recruitment & Development Manager at RCC.
Looking ahead, RCC is planning two more health career camps this summer in partnership with VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital and Riverside Walter Reed Hospital. The college remains committed to expanding these initiatives to provide early, hands-on exposure to high-demand health professions.
In addition to summer camps, RCC also offers The REAL Deal Health Careers Program each semester, where RCC senior Nursing and Paramedic students guide high schoolers through immersive, simulated healthcare scenarios. These sessions begin with a pre-hospital emergency simulation and transition to a hospital setting, featuring interactive skills stations that highlight the collaborative, interprofessional nature of healthcare work.
There’s still time to coordinate a session of The REAL Deal for your students. For more information, contact Stacie Wind at swind@rappahannock.edu.
For more information about future camps or RCC’s healthcare programs, visit https://rappahannock.edu/camps.