Last week, Bardstown High and Bardstown Middle School students explored careers in health care thanks to HealthForce Kentucky and their mobile learning unit, Health Force One.
For three days, students in health science classes and those curious about medical careers stepped inside the mobile lab to experience what it’s like to work in health care. HealthForce Kentucky brings high-tech equipment and real-world simulations directly to schools, helping students see how science and technology come together in the medical field.
Inside the mobile unit, students found seven patient care bays complete with medical air, suction, oxygen, patient monitors, and divider curtains—just like a real hospital. They explored careers such as nursing, radiology technology, surgical technology, respiratory therapy, and emergency medical services (EMS).
Students even got to test their precision and coordination using a laparoscopic trainer! They had to unwrap a Tootsie Roll using tweezers—just like surgeons practice using fine instruments during surgery!
Throughout the visit, students heard from several guest speakers who work in health care, including Bardstown High School graduates now pursuing or working in medical fields. These volunteers shared their education paths, job experiences, and advice for students interested in health care careers.
Guest Speakers and Volunteers:
- Lauren Walker-Millard, Nathaniel Hornback, and David McGraw with Nelson County Emergency Medical Services
- Katie Vanhoose, ’24 BHS graduate & nursing student
- Olivia Newton Skaggs, ’21 BHS graduate & nurse
- Leah Runner, ’23 BHS graduate & nursing student
- Kimberly Cote, nurse practitioner
- Anne Goodman, sonography clinical coordinator at ECTC
- Briley Mudd, x-ray technologist
- Marci Haydon, retired teacher
Students learned about different health care jobs, including what the work involves, the education needed, and how those careers are growing across Kentucky.
Bardstown City Schools would like to thank HealthForce Kentucky for bringing this incredible experience to our campus—and extend a heartfelt thank you to our guest speakers and volunteers for taking time to inspire our students.
