Lake Success, NY - December 2, 2015 - Medical Assisting students enrolled in the Introduction to Health Professions Academy at William Floyd High School recently visited the North Shore-LIJ (NSLIJ) Health System Ambulatory Surgery Center as part of the SPARK! Challenge, a program created by the NSLIJ workforce readiness division in which high school students are given the opportunity to shadow health care employees for one day.

During their visit, students donned surgical attire and observed surgeries in progress and were also permitted behind-the-scenes access to various departments within the ambulatory facility including recovery, outpatient testing, sterilization and the supply room. Some students were also able to be “treated” as “patients” in the recovery area – having their hearts monitored, blood pressure taken and pulse oximetry done. They also met with NSLIJ staff including an anesthesiologist who gave a brief lecture.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for students to gain insight on the various types of careers that are offered within the health care field,” said Medical Assisting teacher Rhonda DeTrano, LPN.

As part of this experience, students will be entering a competition based on their shadowing experiences, demonstrating what they have learned from their mentors at NSLIJ.

The Introduction to Health Professions Academy, one of six academy offerings at William Floyd High School, is a two-year course which introduces students to a wide range of topics, including health care systems, health careers, anatomy and physiology, nutrition and diet therapy, infection control, vital signs, first aid and emergency care, CPR, EKG, pediatric and adult care, assisting with minor office surgery, laboratory skills and insurance, billing and administrative procedures. Students receive training on-site in a fully equipped classroom and upon completion of the program are eligible to take the national certification exam, the successful completion of which qualifies students to utilize their skills in any U.S. state.