COLUMBIA (WACH) – This week several Midlands high school students are taking part in Providence Hospital’s Summer Pursuit Program.
Officials with the hospital say it’s a week long course that provides hands on experience in the ever-growing health care industry.
"We want to give them their first insight into the health care field, other than what they see on TV," said Jessica Saxon with Providence.
Saxon says the program gives the students experience they can’t get inside a classroom, like boarding a real emergency helicopter.
"These guys are very excited, they are aggressive, they ask great questions and you know I definitely see our health care future in them," said Saxon.
"Amazing to be able to go and see what everyone does and see which way I want to go with it," said Lexington High School student, Wesley Jefferies.
Jefferies says he wants to become a battlefield surgeon, assisting wounded soldiers in combat.
"I’ve always wanted to be a doctor and because I got involved with ROTC in high school, I was able to get involved with the military and I want to assist my country,” said Jefferies.
And thanks to Providence’s Pursuit Program, students like Jefferies are one step closer to watching their dreams take flight.
"It would be amazing. I would feel like I’m actually helping, I’m being productive and saving people who are protecting our freedom," said Jefferies.
Click here for more information on Providence's Education Programs.