From scrubbing in for mock surgical procedures to learning how to apply casts and handle emergency simulations, 40 local students are getting a hands-on look at what it takes to work in healthcare. Onvida Health’s Volunteer Services Department is proud to host the 2025 Healthcare Career Camp, taking place from Monday, July 14, to Friday, July 18. This event offers high school and college students a behind-the-scenes look at medical careers through real-world activities and interactions with working professionals.
Throughout the five-day camp, students participate in a full schedule of classroom learning, hospital tours, career panels, skill demonstrations, and shadowing opportunities. Each session is led by experts across departments, from emergency medicine and nursing to radiology, respiratory therapy and pharmacy, helping build a healthier tomorrow in Yuma County by empowering students to explore future career paths and discover where they might thrive in healthcare.
“This camp is an incredible opportunity to introduce local young people to the depth and diversity of careers in healthcare,” said Elizabeth Hammonds, Director of Volunteer Services at Onvida Health. “Every year, we see participants walk away inspired and more confident in their goals. For our clinical staff, it’s also a rewarding way to give back and invest in the future of our workforce.”
Some of the week’s most interactive sessions include:
- What It takes to be a Surgical Technician (Monday, July 14): Students will learn how to suture and participate in team races with the surgical team.
- Explore Incredible careers in Surgical Services (Tuesday, July 15): Students will learn to scrub in, gown in and participate in mock surgeries.
- Pharmacy (Tuesday, July 15): Students will hear from a diverse panel of pharmacists representing different specialties and take part in a pharmacy simulation.
The week wraps up on Friday with a celebration at Z-Fun Factory and Waylon’s Water World, where students and medical residents can connect in a more relaxed setting.
