Sheldon, Iowa — Northwest Iowa Community College (NCC) hosted its annual “Scrubs Camp” on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, welcoming about 90 middle and high school students from 13 area schools, including homeschool students.
NCC officials tell us the immersive event provided students with a firsthand look into the dynamic world of healthcare careers. Organized by NCC’s Health Science programs in partnership with area healthcare providers, Scrubs Camp introduced 7th–12th graders to a variety of healthcare fields, including EMS, Paramedic, Nursing, CNA, Radiologic Technology, Pharmacy Technology, Medical Lab Technology, Surgical Technology, Health Information Technology and Medical Coding.
They tell us students participated in eight interactive mini-sessions led by NCC faculty, where they explored different healthcare careers through hands-on activities. One of the most anticipated moments of the day was an emergency care live-action simulation, presented in collaboration with the Sheldon Community Ambulance Team (SCAT) and the Mercy Air Care flight helicopter team. This real-time trauma scenario emphasized the critical role of teamwork in patient care and allowed students to witness healthcare professionals in action.
Kevin Miller, Associate Dean of Health at NCC, highlighted the importance of exposing students to the collaborative nature of healthcare. He said the teamwork in healthcare is vital because every career plays a crucial role in patient outcomes and system efficiency. He says that allowing students to experience this firsthand helps them understand the true nature of the field and make informed career decisions.
Students expressed excitement about the opportunity to explore healthcare careers in an interactive setting. Jaqueline Hernandez, a sophomore from Sioux Center High School, said she really enjoyed the day and learned a lot. She appreciated how realistic the hands-on events felt and attended because she wants to be a doctor, but is still exploring which field. She said the CNA simulation gave her a new perspective, and she especially liked the Medical Lab Tech session because she was able to draw blood from a fake arm.
Libby Coyle, a junior from West Sioux High School, echoed her excitement, saying she came to Scrubs Camp because she is interested in a healthcare career, possibly in nursing or radiology. She said her favorite session was nursing, where they created fake injuries and learned how to treat those wounds. Thanks to generous support from local healthcare sponsors, Scrubs Camp was offered free of charge, ensuring all interested students could participate.
Photo courtesy NCC: Jaqueline Hernandez learns about drawing blood
