Inverness, FL — More than 50 Citrus County high school students from four local high schools traded their classrooms for hospital corridors today as they participated in a behind-the-scenes career exploration tour at HCA Florida Citrus Hospital.
Students rotated through multiple departments, gaining firsthand exposure to the operating room, pharmacy, diagnostic imaging, cardiac catheterization lab, rehabilitation services and emergency services. They also learned about emergency response operations from Citrus County Fire Rescue.
The immersive experience allowed students to see the full continuum of care in action and interact directly with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, imaging technologists, paramedics and other healthcare professionals.
“This is about opening doors,” said Lisa Nummi, chief executive officer of HCA Florida Citrus Hospital. “We want students to see that healthcare offers a wide range of meaningful, high-skill career opportunities - many of them right here in Citrus County. This annual interactive tour gives them real-world insight into what those careers look like beyond the classroom.”
Students were able to observe advanced medical technology, ask questions about education requirements, and learn about pathways into healthcare careers ranging from technical certifications to advanced medical degrees.
The event reflects a growing partnership between HCA Florida Citrus Hospital and Citrus County Schools aimed at providing students with exposure to in-demand healthcare careers.
Healthcare remains one of Florida’s fastest-growing employment sectors. By providing hands-on learning experiences, HCA Florida Citrus Hospital is helping inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals while reinforcing its commitment to the community it serves.