GREAT FALLS – Smiles weren’t hard to find Thursday at Great Falls College MSU.
But a few needed some fillings.
Fortunately, those were in the mannequins at the dental clinic as students from around the region learned how to x-ray and also discovered the principles of sanitation by tracking the spread of germs.
“It was pretty cool to see how you can spread bacteria through your normal activities,” said Hayden Axtman, a junior at Fort Benton High School.
Great Falls College MSU hosted about 150 high school students from 13 schools across northcentral Montana as part of its College in a Day program that aimed to give students a taste of the college life as they each took three classes in the areas of interest that they selected.
There were 18 faculty members from Great Falls College MSU and MSU-Northern who presented mock classes on Thursday by taking their favorite lessons and condensing them into 30-minute, fun sessions.
Students such as Axtman who showed an interest in health studies went through programs like the dental clinic, the surgical technology program or the physical therapy assistant program.
Others checked out the industrial technology or computer programs, among many others.
Axtman was the star of his group at the hand-washing demonstration, which was probably a good thing for someone who is interested in becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
“Yes!” said Robin Williams, the head of the dental assistant program at Great Falls College MSU. “I’d let him operate on me.”
Axtman said a highlight of the day was at the surgical technology program where the students were able to remove a gall bladder from a mannequin.
“We got to use all of the equipment,” he said. “It was pretty cool.”
Students also learned the ins and outs of how to enroll for college with people from the admissions office.
“Career dreams are often born during GFC MSU’s College in a Day event,” said Dr. Susan Wolff, CEO/Dean of the college. She encouraged the students to talk to their friends and parents about the career opportunities that GFC MSU provides.
Maci Molinario, another junior at Fort Benton, said the day was helpful after learning about the physical therapy assistant program.
“It gives you a chance to see what there is,” she said, flashing a smile. “And it’s not a lecture and taking notes.”
Great Falls College MSU’s spring semester begins Monday.
For more information, contact:
Great Falls College MSU’s Admissions Office
406-268-3700
[email protected]
