ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – An Upper Peninsula community college is preparing healthcare students for their careers. A local medical provider is helping them along the way with some real-world tools.
Many of Delta County’s future healthcare professionals are currently studying in Bay College’s Simulation Centers.
“The Simulation Centers at Bay College are used by our Allied Health students to practice skills,” said Christy Mathias, simulation and clinical coordinator. “They have a chance to learn, make mistakes, to see things that maybe they wouldn’t see in a clinic setting.”
Mathias says the centers prepare students for various careers in the field.
“That includes our EMT, our paramedic program, LPNS, the RN program,” she said.
The equipment is designed to be as realistic as possible.
“We want it to be like you’re really walking into that patient room,” Mathias said. “Our students treat the mannequins that we use like they would treat you or I. We have several children, multiple adults, more geriatric patients, a simulation mom who will deliver a baby.”
Thanks to OSF HealthCare, students have a larger lineup of equipment to care for the youngest of those simulated patients.
“OSF was kind enough to think of us, and they have donated two of these infant warmers and then four cribs for our simulation centers,” said Mathias. “We’ll be able to utilize these for students at both campuses.”
According to Mathias, Bay College’s relationship with OSF is giving students hands-on training that can lead to more opportunities after graduation.
“We place students in their facilities in the hospital,” she said. “We work with placing our EMT/paramedic students with them for clinic experience. It’s just wonderful that we have them here right in our area so students can learn there, benefit from their generosity, and possibly become employed there.”
Mathias says it all ensures the students’ patients will receive the quality care they need.
“The up-to-date equipment goes along to help with that realistic scenario and things that students will see so that they feel more comfortable and more prepared to provide care when they’re in an actual setting,” she said.
Click here for more information on healthcare programs offered at Bay College.
