PHSRC Pulse

Pathways Students Get Hands-On In AHS 1104

The Health Profession Pathways Program at the University of Minnesota supports undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds as they develop into future leaders in health professional careers. The Pre-Health Student Resource Center launched the Pathways program in 2021, and is recruiting students to join the 6th cohort! 

This Pulse blog post shares a glimpse into one of the Pathways program signature experiences, AHS 1104: Experiences in Health. 

AHS 1104: Experiences in Health has been signature part of the Health Profession Pathways Program since the program began back in 2021. This course, AHS 1104, is a unique opportunity for our first-year Pathways students to explore a variety of health professions and receive a behind the scenes look at the health science schools/programs here at the University of Minnesota.

student using a mortar and pestle to break up smarties candies in the Pharmacy lab
In the College of Pharmacy, students were able to grind smarties candies with a mortar and mixed it with non-scented lotion creme to make their own lotion.

Throughout the spring semester course, Pathways students have a hands-on experience with the following U of M programs: 

  • Dentistry, Dental Hygiene, Dental Therapy 
  • Medical Laboratory Sciences
  • Nursing
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Pharmacy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Veterinary Medicine

This spring, students also visited and experienced the HSEC Virtual Reality Studio and the Visible Heart® Laboratories. 

Additionally, in collaboration with the Center for Interprofessional Health (CIH), they spent time learning and immersing themselves in competencies related to interprofessional health, such as Roles & Responsibilities, Communications, and Teams & Teamwork.

In AHS 1104, Pathways students gain a better understanding of how to work with other health professions in an interprofessional way. We are happy that our U of M Health Science School and Program partners are always willing to open up their spaces for our Pathway students to experience hands-on activities and learn more about other health professions that are out there.

Student practicing using an IV in the School of Nursing Simulation Lab
During a visit to the School of Nursing, students were given the opportunity to use a syringe needle while injecting into the IV of a SIM manikin "patient".
students learning about occupational therapy and using adaptive equiptment
Pathways students are learning about the various types of adaptive equipment that Occupational Therapists use with patients while visiting the U of M Occupational Therapy program labs during AHS 1104.