Academy of Health Careers Freshmen Tour Tampa General Hospital in Crystal River

Over the past two weeks, freshmen from Crystal River High School’s Academy of Health Careers (AHC) had the opportunity to tour Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Crystal River, gaining invaluable insight into the diverse world of healthcare. This exclusive educational visit allowed the students to explore various healthcare careers, meet local professionals, and get a firsthand look at hospital operations in action. Many of the healthcare professionals they met have deep ties to Citrus County and even to Academy of Health Careers itself, making the experience even more personal and inspiring.

The visit kicked off with a series of presentations from key department leaders at TGH. Neal Johns, Nurse Manager of the Emergency Department, was one of the first to speak. Johns, who holds both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a degree in Business Management, shared his inspiring career path. He began as a radiology technician in the U.S. Army. Now managing one of the busiest departments at TGH, Johns emphasized the many opportunities available in the Emergency Department and highlighted the important partnership between Tampa General and the University of South Florida (USF) Medical School. This collaboration provides a platform for medical students and healthcare professionals to learn and grow together.

The presentations introduced students to a wide range of healthcare careers, both clinical and non-clinical. TGH Crystal River offers various clinical roles, including Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Patient Care Technicians (PCTs), and Certified First Assistants (CFAs) in the Operating Room. There are also non-clinical positions such as Patient Sitters, Admitting Clerks, and roles in Food & Nutrition.

The hospital leaders stressed that healthcare is more than just clinical work. Careers like Phlebotomists, Cardiovascular Technicians, Respiratory Therapists, Physical Therapists, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), and Paramedics are vital to hospital operations. This wide array of career options gave students an exciting glimpse into their future possibilities. Additionally, they were informed about volunteer programs at TGH, which provide high school students with hands-on experience and deeper insight into the medical field.

After the presentations, the students were divided into smaller groups for guided tours of the hospital, led by healthcare professionals. One of the tour guides, Katie Dominguez, a registered nurse and a former graduate of the Academy of Health Careers at CRHS, added a personal touch to the experience. She shared her journey from being a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the AHC program to becoming a nurse through the College of Central Florida, reminding students that she once stood in their shoes.

The tour included visits to several key hospital departments. In the Emergency Department (ED), students met Jen Russel, Director of Emergency Services, who explained the different areas and introduced them to life-saving technology like the LUCAS device, which provides continuous CPR to patients in cardiac arrest. The students were also guided through radiology, imaging, the laboratory, the surgical wing, the heart catheterization unit, and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Additionally, they visited the wound care department, physical and occupational therapy, and telemetry units. These tours provided a comprehensive view of how various parts of the hospital work together to provide patient care and gave students insight into the many roles they could potentially pursue in the future.

Opportunities like these are invaluable for AHC students, with approximately 70% of participants going on to pursue careers in medical or related fields after graduation. Immersive experiences such as this help students gain real-world insights, solidifying their career goals as they explore different healthcare paths.

The Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School extends its heartfelt thanks to Tampa General Hospital, Senior Vice President and Hospital President Linda Stockton, and the entire TGH Crystal River team for their dedication to our students. A special thank you goes to Jonathan Noyes, Director of Professional Outreach and a CRHS alumnus, whose efforts made this experience possible. His understanding of the importance of exposing local students to the healthcare industry has been instrumental in the success of this visit. The collaboration between TGH and the Academy of Health Careers is paving the way for the next generation of healthcare professionals in our community.

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