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MASH Camp Introduces Healthcare Careers at SUNY Canton

Canton, NY (02/26/2025) — Area high schoolers had the chance to experience SUNY Canton's career-focused healthcare majors firsthand during the Northern Area Health Education Center (NAHEC) Medical Academy of Science and Health (MASH) camp.

"MASH Camp is a collaborative program that provides hands-on opportunities for high school students to explore health careers," said NAHEC Program Manager Bryn Donovan. "It is an immersive program for high school students, encouraging exploration through hands-on learning."

At SUNY Canton, MASH campers explored the Nursing, Veterinary Technology, Health and Fitness Promotion, Applied Psychology, Health Care Management, and Physical Therapist Assistant programs. They also earned CPR certifications and attended other training sessions with the college's EMS Squad.

The 10 high school students toured various departments to explore the tasks and skills required in each career area. They participated in hands-on workshops that highlighted the equipment, technology, and resources used by health professionals. They also learned about the educational requirements, job duties, essential skills, and key strengths needed for success in healthcare careers in each of the related college programs.

"By working with high school students, NAHEC and SUNY Canton help reinforce the pathway to healthcare professions, which is essential for strengthening the future workforce," said Elizabeth Brown, SUNY Canton Exec. Director of Workforce Community and Industry Partnerships, who helped facilitate the camp.

MASH Camp was offered during most area schools' winter break and attracted students from across the North Country. In addition to educators and SUNY Canton Professionals, the students were visited by Assemblymember Scott Gray, who was keenly interested in the program and what the students learned.

"This incredible program brings together students from across the county who are exploring careers in healthcare, providing them with hands-on experiences and the chance to engage with professionals in the field," Gray said. "Opportunities like this are vital for strengthening our local workforce and ensuring a strong, skilled generation of healthcare professionals."

Discover SUNY Canton, where innovation meets opportunity. The college's career-focused educational programs emphasize hands-on and applied learning opportunities in digital design, engineering technology, health, information technology, management, public service, and veterinary technology. Faculty members bring real-world experience and exceptional academic expertise to the classroom. As a leader in online education, SUNY Canton offers unmatched flexibility with hundreds of courses and 25 comprehensive degree programs offered completely online. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos compete at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the SUNYAC. In addition to its 15 traditional teams, SUNY Canton offers coed varsity esports and cheerleading.

Media Attachments

Students from area high schools and SUNY Canton take photos with a canine patient during Medical Academy of Science and Health (MASH) camp.

SUNY Canton Health and Fitness Promotion Associate Professor Janet Parcell leads a blood-flow restriction exercise with Elif Cetinkaya of Potsdam High School during the recent Medical Academy of Science and Health (MASH) camp held at SUNY Canton.

Lily Mathie and Charlie Wozny of Norwood-Norfolk Central School practice CPR with SUNY Canton’s student EMS Squad at Medical Academy of Science and Health (MASH) camp.

Students from Medical Academy of Science and Health (MASH) Camp met with Assemblymember Scott Gray during their visit to the Newell Veterinary Technology Center. Pictured are (l to r) back row: Lily Mattie, Brenna Del Jones, Elise Harris, Gray, Elif Cetinkaya, Quinn Duprey, and Alexis Brown; front row are Anya Bansal, Charlie Wozny, Zoe Powell, and Vada Knowlton.

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