Howard Payne University recently welcomed high school juniors and seniors for the second annual Health Science Enrichment Workshop (HSEW). The two-day program was sponsored by the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) and offered hands-on learning opportunities on the HPU campus and onsite at Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood.

The students attending received instruction in basic suturing and stapling, basic EKG interpretation and resume development. Another session introduced this year was a mock code simulation, with training on life support, medication administration and defibrillation. Participants also had hands-on science labs with anatomy dissections.

HPU’s School of Nursing and School of Science and Mathematics organized the event. Co-directors were Dr. Laci Sutton, dean of the School of Nursing and professor of nursing, and Dr. Kristen Hutchins, dean of the School of Science and Mathematics, professor of biology and JAMP faculty director at HPU.

“Dr. Sutton and I are grateful for the opportunity to showcase a variety of healthcare pathways through Howard Payne,” said Dr. Hutchins. “Whether students want to become a nurse, physician, physical therapist or another health professional, this workshop helps us demonstrate to them how they can begin that journey at HPU.”

In addition to the activities on HPU’s campus, participants had the opportunity to shadow healthcare professionals at Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood, giving them exposure to a variety of career paths.

“The second annual Health Science Enrichment Workshop was a great success through the partnership with Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood,” said Dr. Sutton. “Through the partnership, students participated in a full day of shadowing a healthcare professional, giving them a greater insight into their future career path. We are thankful for Hendrick Health supporting students during their educational journey.”

Dr. Sutton and Dr. Hutchins vary the specific trainings incorporated into the workshop each year. They are excited for HSEW in summer 2025.

For more information about HPU’s School of Nursing, visit www.hputx.edu/nursing. For more information about HPU’s School of Science and Mathematics, visit www.hputx.edu/scienceandmath.