More than 100 students compete in Anatomage Tournament

Pennsylvania College of Technology’s School of Nursing & Health Sciences hosted a tournament that drew 103 students from 17 schools to compete in anatomy-related gaming-style activities.

The SUN Area Technical Institute’s Vena Divas team took first place in the Anatomage Regional Tournament. Team members Abigail Benner, Alysha Cruz and Mariah Hartman each won a $1,000 Penn College scholarship and an invitation to compete at the national Anatomage Tournament.

Members of the second-place team, Glabella Girls, from Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology, each won $500 Penn College scholarships; the third-place team, Cardio Crushers, also from CPI, each won $250 Penn College scholarships; and the fourth-place team, Biceps Bosses, from Lycoming Career and Technology Center, each won Penn College bookstore gift cards.

Second-, third- and fourth-place teams included:

•    Second place: Eden Parker, Cali Stover, Bailey Bennett and Raynee Davis 
•    Third place: Makayla Conaway, Hailey Earnest, Liadan Walker and Rileigh Laslo
•    Fourth place: Carter Hefferan, Effie Kishbaugh, Adrianna Bame and Allison Fisher

Throughout the competition, competitors were exposed to 3D learning, body system interconnectivity and careers in health care, while building professional confidence, enhancing critical thinking skills under pressure, and developing teamwork and collaboration skills.

“Participating in the Anatomage Tournament strengthened the students’ understanding of human anatomy, deepened their appreciation for various health care roles and helped them build essential critical-thinking skills,” said Valerie A. Myers, dean for the School of Nursing & Health Sciences. “This opportunity not only boosted their confidence but also equipped them to make more informed decisions about their future paths in the health sciences.” 

Elizabeth S. Gizenski, director of the college’s surgical technology program, said watching students from diverse backgrounds work together to navigate the trials of the competition was inspiring.

“By moving beyond traditional dissection and into this high-tech arena, they gained a deeper and more profound understanding of anatomy,” she said. “We already look forward to the next layer of innovation at next year’s event.”

Other schools competing in the tournament were Admiral Peary Area Professional Technical School, Benton Area High School, Williamsport Area High School, Wellsboro High School, Pope John Paul II High School, Central Columbia High School, Eastern Center for Arts and Technology, Montoursville Area High School, Keystone Central Career and Technology Center, Hughesville High School, Columbia-Montour Area Vocational Technical School, Jersey Shore Area High School, Hazleton Area High School and North Penn-Liberty High School.

The Penn College Anatomage Tournament is just one of many regional competitions held across the country that lead to the National Anatomage Tournament, set for May 29 and 30 at the Anatomage Inc. headquarters in Santa Clara, California. The top 50 teams are invited to compete for the title of National Anatomy Champions.

“Hosting this tournament was a powerful reminder of what makes Penn College so unique,” Gizenski said. “It was not just a win for one program; it was a testament to the togetherness of our many departments, from nursing and health sciences to facilities and information technology, who all worked in unison to bring this event to life.”

Sponsors of the Anatomage Tournament include UPMC, Geisinger Medical Center and Mount Nittany Health (competition sponsors), and WellSpan Health (workshop sponsor).

To participate in a future Anatomage event, or to learn more about the competition, email the School of Nursing & Health Sciences at nhs@pct.edu.

To learn more about Penn College’s nursing and health sciences majors, call 570-327-4519.

For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.