Healthcare Career Camp Introduces Kids to the Medical Field
Sentara Healthcare Career Camp: Inspiring Future Medical Professionals in Prince William County
From July 14 to 18, 2025, the Sentara Summer Healthcare Career Camp will welcome a cohort of sixteen middle school students from Prince William County Schools at the Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center in Woodbridge. This educational initiative aims to immerse young participants in the diverse career pathways available within the healthcare sector, extending beyond the conventional roles of doctors and nurses.
The healthcare industry is experiencing rapid growth, necessitating a skilled workforce across multiple disciplines. This year marks the second consecutive year that Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center has hosted this program, which serves as a pivotal opportunity for students to explore various careers often overlooked in traditional education settings. During the weeklong camp, participants will engage with healthcare professionals from a variety of specialties, including radiology, pharmacy, physical therapy, community health, food service, and administrative roles. A unique feature of the camp will include an interaction with the Prince William County Fire & Rescue, culminating in a tour of the AirCare 1 Helicopter—providing a firsthand glimpse into emergency care.
In addition to exposure to various healthcare roles, students will acquire foundational medical skills. They will learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), gain experience in simulated intravenous (IV) placements, and practice suturing techniques using fruit as a model. Participants will also be educated on the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) and methods to prevent infectious diseases, a critical element in today’s healthcare climate.
Jon Radulovic, Communications Advisor for Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, noted, “The hands-on nature of the experience allows the camp participants to engage in the hospital setting actively. Participants experience practical tasks that give them sensory interactions with medical equipment and procedures, providing an enriching overview of operations in a healthcare facility, likened to a small city.”
The program, which launched in 2023 at three Sentara hospitals, has expanded significantly over the past two years. Today, seven hospitals participate in this initiative, which aims to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals. Radulovic emphasized the camp’s importance during a formative time in students’ lives when they begin exploring career options, suggesting that such exposure could help shape their future academic and professional paths. “The Healthcare Career Camp opens doors to opportunities that may have previously gone unnoticed,” he stated.
Collaboration with local educators plays a crucial role in the camp’s success. Teachers from Prince William County Schools recommend students who may benefit from the program, encouraging them to submit applications and personal essays. This careful selection process ensures that the camp targets those students who show both interest and potential in healthcare fields.
As the demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise, programs like the Sentara Healthcare Career Camp not only guide students in their career journey but also contribute to building a well-prepared workforce for the future of medicine.
For more information on Sentara’s initiatives in healthcare education, please visit PLACEHOLDER_c579e859d2a028f9.
