Near the end of the spring semester at Saint Paul College, a group of Saint Paul Public Schools’ high school students entered the theater, teeming with excitement about the interactive healthcare experience ahead. The guiding question for the day was simple: How do you know if you love something if you’ve never tried it?

Through SPC’s Career Sampler on May 17, 2026, that question quickly turned into action.

After a brief welcome, students split into small groups to explore four healthcare fields. Each stop offered more than information; it offered experience.

High school students attend a healthcare career presentation in a Saint Paul College auditorium during SPC Career Sampler event

From Curiosity to Hands-On Experience

In the surgical technology and sterile processing lab, students handled instruments and learned that precision and preparation are critical to patient safety. Down the hall, students practiced hands-on care using plus-sized mannequins. They learned to treat injuries, such as bedsores, and to treat patients with empathy and respect, especially those whose bodies require specialized care.

In respiratory therapy, students explored the science behind breathing and saw how therapists step in during life-threatening situations. In the pharmacy lab, students counted, sorted, and compounded over-the-counter medications, gaining insight into the accuracy required behind every prescription.

One highlight of the day was the LapSim machine, where students could try simulated minimally invasive surgery. For a moment, they assumed the role of a medical professional, navigating virtual procedures with tools that replicated real-life resistance and movement.

High school students participate in pharmacy lab activity at Saint Paul College, sorting and preparing medications during hands-on training
High school students practice hands-on nursing skills with infant mannequin in Saint Paul College healthcare training lab

When Exploration Sparks Excitement

As the day unfolded, curiosity turned into excitement. Students leaned in, asked questions, and began to picture themselves in these roles. By the end, there was a clear shift. What once felt unfamiliar now felt possible.

Students left energized, many eager for more time and deeper exploration. Teachers noted how engaging and well-organized the experience was, and how strongly it reflected faculty passion.

More than anything, the Career Sampler showcased the strength of Saint Paul College’s healthcare programs. It didn’t just tell students about careers; it allowed them to try them. For many, that was enough to spark a new path forward.