MSUM and Essentia Health collaborate to help high school students explore healthcare careers, address workforce challenges.

MSUM, in collaboration with HealthForce MN and Essentia Health, is hosting Scrubs Camp June 20-23. The four-day healthcare careers camp serves regional high school students interested in nursing, microbiology, mental health, athletic training and other disciplines. 

“Scrubs Camp is a great opportunity for students entering grades 9-12 to explore the different healthcare disciplines. The students work with expert instructors and local professionals,” said MSUM Youth Outreach Coordinator Sean Brandenburg. 

“Whether they eventually want to become a nurse, a psychiatrist or anything in between, Scrubs Camp helps them build the skills and the foundation they need to be successful in pursuing a healthcare career,” Brandenburg said.

In addition to providing instructors, Essentia Health has provided a significant financial investment to help support Scrubs Camp. The investment has reduced the registration cost for all participants from $300 to $200. In addition, Essentia’s support will provide scholarships to cover the remaining registration cost for students with financial need.

“This is a win-win-win. Scrubs Camp provides opportunities for the students to explore careers locally, for Essentia Health to meet our workforce demands, and for our community to be filled with passionate and talented professionals earning a living wage,” said Thomas Hill, Essentia Health West Community Relations Program Manager.

“With so many different career options facing students, Scrubs Camp is critical to promote the incredibly wide variety of options in healthcare where professionals make a meaningful difference in the lives of everyone in our communities. We are very pleased to support this camp financially and host students on-site,” said Essentia Health Workforce Strategy Director Michelle Ufford.

Registration is now open for the hands-on Scrubs Camp. More information about registration and scholarships are available at https://www.mnstate.edu/scrubs-camp/.