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Health Careers Institute

Explore your future in medicine with hands-on learning and real-world insight.

Are you a high school student interested in a career in healthcare? Susquehanna University’s Health Careers Summer Institute offers a weeklong, immersive experience designed to help you discover the many pathways in the medical field.

Throughout the week, you’ll work closely with Susquehanna faculty and local healthcare professionals as you explore topics in human anatomy, physiology and health sciences. Participants will engage in interactive labs, team-based workshops, medical simulations and sessions with guest speakers who will share their personal journeys and professional expertise.

In addition to engaging academic experiences, you’ll enjoy a taste of college life on Susquehanna’s scenic campus — living in residence halls, dining with peers and forming lasting friendships with other students who share your passion for helping others.

Whether you dream of becoming a doctor, nurse, physical therapist or medical researcher, this program will give you the inspiration, knowledge and confidence to take your next step toward a rewarding career in healthcare.

Students entering grades 10–12 are invited to register.


Highlights

  • Hands-On Medical Exploration: Participate in interactive labs, simulations and workshops led by Susquehanna faculty and healthcare professionals.
  • Discover Diverse Health Careers: Learn from guest speakers and explore multiple pathways in medicine, from clinical practice to research and public health.
  • Experience College Life: Live on Susquehanna’s campus, dine with peers and build connections with fellow students who share your interest in healthcare.
  • Guidance from Experts: Receive mentorship and insight from local practitioners and university professors dedicated to helping you explore your future in health sciences.

Information to Know

Things to Bring
  • Toiletry Items
  • Pillow
  • Blanket (if desired)
    Linens, including sheets, a pillowcase, a thin blanket and towels will be provided.
  • Snacks, drinks (if desired)
    There is access to a small kitchenette with mini fridge, sink and microwave.
  • Blanket or beach towel to sit on for outdoor movie night
  • Casual clothing for classes and social activities
  • Sneakers
  • Swimwear
  • Tennis rackets, frisbees, etc. (if you enjoy playing)
  • Writing folder/tablet, pens, pencils
  • Alarm clock
  • Spending money (for bookstore and evening snacks, if desired)
Check In & Final Day Protocol

151 Weber Way
Selinsgrove, PA 17870

View and download a printable campus map or click the button below to go to google to download and print driving directions.

Check-In

Sunday, 2:30–4:30 p.m.
Degenstein Campus Center, Mellon Lounge

Parents and students will receive a copy of the program’s week-long schedule during check-in.

Final Day Protocol

Final Presentation, Lunch with University Faculty and Personnel and Check-Out

Event Management staff will be available at the residence halls to facilitate check-out.

Lunch, hosted by the faculty of the sponsoring academic department, will be immediately following the presentation for participants and their family members.

Parents/family members are encouraged to participate in both events on Saturday and should make reservations for lunch by indicating how many guests will attend on the registration form.

The final show and lunch will be in the same building as check-in.

Students will check out of their rooms immediately after lunch on Saturday and must return building and room keys at that time.

Health Services

While there aren’t any campus health center services available for the Summer Pre-College Programs participants, program staff will have first aid kits for minor scrapes and scratches.

Should a program participant need any emergency attention, local hospitals, and Urgent Care Centers are readily available. Parents/guardians will be contacted immediately to discuss options and insurance arrangements.

The Medical Form is a crucial part of any medical or emergency procedure and must be returned before the start of the program for the student to be considered fully registered.

Cars on Campus & Leaving Campus

Cars on Campus

If a student drives to campus for any of the Summer Pre-College Programs, the Event Management Office will hold the keys to the vehicle from Sunday afternoon to the following Saturday morning. 

Leaving Campus

  • Program participants are not permitted to leave campus unless the activity is part of the program’s schedule, and they are accompanied by student counselors or program directors.
  • Violation of this or any other regulation established by the “Principles of Student Conduct” will forfeit a student’s participation in the program.
Contacting Students via Mail & Phone

Cell Phones

Students may have access to their cell phones except for the following times: classroom and instruction sessions and guest speaker presentations, at which time cell phones must be put in silent mode or turned off. If you must reach your student during these times, please contact the Event Management Office at 570-372-4354.

To reach students on campus, please call: 

  • Event Management Office
    570-372-4354
    Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1–5 p.m. 
  • University’s Main Switchboard
    570-374-0101 (ask for the Event Management Office)
    Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. 
  • Susquehanna University Campus Safety
    570-372-4444 or 4428 (anytime) 

Mail

Families can send mail to participants at the following address:

Event Management Office
Health Careers Institute
Susquehanna University
1858 Weber Way
Selinsgrove, PA 17870

Required Forms

*Participant safety is our highest priority. Susquehanna University reserves the right to cancel Summer Pre-College Programs, if necessary, in order to comply with local, state and federal guidelines and recommendations and reserves the right to change course based on circumstances.

Required Forms

Medical and Conduct Forms (PDF, Full Packet)

Costs & Refund Policy

The $1,075 comprehensive fee includes room, meals and all program materials.

  • Must be registered by July 3.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available based on financial need and academic performance. No full-tuition scholarships are available.

A letter from your guidance counselor, indicating your eligibility for free/reduced lunch or other measure(s) of financial need, is required for scholarship consideration.

Deadlines

All registrations must be submitted no later than July 3.

All supporting documentation must be received prior to your arrival on campus.


Summer Pre-College Programs Cancellation & Refund Policy

Refund requests may be submitted for early departures due to unforeseeable circumstances such as death in the immediate family or serious illness. Refunds will be reviewed and granted on a case-by-case basis.

Susquehanna University reserves the right to cancel any Summer Pre-College Program. If Susquehanna University cancels the program you are registered for, you will receive a full refund.

Cancellations made at least 10 days prior to the start of the program will be refunded in full.

Refunds will not be provided for cancellations received fewer than 10 days prior to the program.

Early departures for reasons including but not limited to homesickness, parental request and failure to follow the program’s principles of conduct are not eligible for refund.

Institute Director

Kelly Puzzi, Director of Health Professions

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Contact Us

Summer Pre-College Programs

514 University Ave.
Selinsgrove, Pa. 17870

Location

Degenstein Campus Center