PIERRE — The South Dakota Department of Health is excited to announced the return of Scrubs Camps for the 2024-25 school year.

“Scrubs Camps provide high school students across the state with hands-on experiences and insights into a variety of healthcare careers, giving them an opportunity to explore future professions in medicine, nursing, emergency services, and more,” said Department of Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt. “We’re proud to support the next generation of healthcare workers and help them see the possibilities available in the healthcare industry.”

The camps are designed for students in grades 9 through 12 who have an interest in pursuing a career in the healthcare field. Through interactive activities, students work alongside healthcare professionals and gain exposure to real-world scenarios. By participating in Scrubs Camps, students can build a foundation for understanding the education and skills necessary to enter the healthcare workforce.

Each camp is held in different locations throughout the state, ensuring students from all regions of South Dakota have the opportunity to participate. The DOH partners with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to offer this program free of charge to students. Dates and locations of scheduled camps can be found on the Scrubs Camp website.

The DOH provides a variety of resources to help students, educators, and healthcare providers get the most out of Scrubs Camps. This includes activity toolkits, promotional materials, and detailed camp guides. These resources are designed to enhance the Scrubs Camp experience and help students better understand the healthcare landscape in South Dakota.

“As the demand for healthcare professionals continues to grow, Scrubs Camps serve as a vital tool in addressing workforce shortages by encouraging students to pursue careers in healthcare. Students gain hands-on experience in a variety of fields, including nursing, radiology, therapy services, and other vital healthcare professions. These are truly fantastic events, held locally, to support our youth and their potential future in the healthcare workforce,” said Magstadt.