Students earning early credits get hands-on look at college labs

Published 11.15.2023

Photos by Laura M. Machak, coordinator of secondary partnership operations; Chuck D. Crews, assistant director for secondary partnerships; and Jennifer A. Cline, writer/magazine editor

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Faculty & Staff
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Penn College Dual Enrollment

Around 130 dual enrollment students visited campus on Thursday to get a taste of the hands-on labs where their Pennsylvania College of Technology student counterparts take coursework. 

Penn College Dual Enrollment offers college classes to high school students. The classes are taught at their own schools by their own teachers during the regular school day, earning participants free college credits for the courses. 

Visitors hailed from Columbia-Montour Area Vocational-Technical School, DuBois Area High School, Monroe Career & Technical Institute, and Northern Tier Career Center.

In addition to a campus tour, groups visited Penn College’s dental hygiene, engineering design, electronics, nursing, physical therapy assistant and surgical technology programs, where faculty and staff treated them to hands-on activities and tours.

As they watch their work on-screen, Scott A. Geist, director of surgical technology, leads visitors through the functions of laparoscopic surgical equipment.
As they watch their work on-screen, Scott A. Geist, director of surgical technology, leads visitors through the functions of laparoscopic surgical equipment.
A visitor laughs at the sensation as Victoria Hurwitz, director of physical therapist assistant, administers the program’s neuromuscular reeducation unit, used to help patients regain use of their muscles.
A visitor laughs at the sensation as Victoria Hurwitz, director of physical therapist assistant, administers the program’s neuromuscular reeducation unit, used to help patients regain use of their muscles.
Northern Tier Career & Technical Institute students gather to watch as the unit causes classmates’ hands to move involuntarily.
Northern Tier Career & Technical Institute students gather to watch as the unit causes classmates’ hands to move involuntarily.
A friendly team of Penn College staffers introduces visitors to the many highlights of the Penn College student experience.
A friendly team of Penn College staffers introduces visitors to the many highlights of the Penn College student experience.
Geist talks with visiting students about the field of surgical technology.
Geist talks with visiting students about the field of surgical technology.
Betty Anne Leiby, simulation laboratory coordinator, engages students in a nursing lab.
Betty Anne Leiby, simulation laboratory coordinator, engages students in a nursing lab.
A simulation manikin provides real heart and lung sounds – among other human-like reactions.
A simulation manikin provides real heart and lung sounds – among other human-like reactions.
Students making the trip from DuBois Area High School try their design skills in a College Avenue Labs engineering design lab.
Students making the trip from DuBois Area High School try their design skills in a College Avenue Labs engineering design lab.
Craig A. Miller, assistant professor of engineering design technology, leads the DuBois visitors in designing a roller coaster.
Craig A. Miller, assistant professor of engineering design technology, leads the DuBois visitors in designing a roller coaster.