Park City, UT – Park City High School, under the Park City Center for Advanced Professional Studies (PCCAPS), revamped its Health & Medicine strand that now offers a specialized course for juniors or seniors to experience an Introduction to Physical Therapy. 

The program, led by Mrs. Meagan Shaw, is designed to offer students a dynamic approach to learning, focusing on physical therapy and emergency medical response.

Mrs. Shaw emphasized that this is the inaugural year of the course, aimed not only at meeting standards in therapeutic rehabilitation but also at providing students with opportunities for clinical rotations, guest speakers, and community engagement.

The course recently welcomed Staff Sgt. Jarom Englestead from the Utah Army National Guard as a guest speaker. With nine years of service, Englestead's expertise in emergency medical response brought practical training to the students, enhancing their learning with real-world applications. His participation signifies PCCAPS's dedication to blending traditional education with practical, life-saving skills.

Englestead expressed his enthusiasm for teaching in public schools. "It's one of the greatest things," he said. "It gives these kids confidence and understanding that they can handle situations in the wilderness or any dire circumstance."

Ruby Hatcher, a junior at Park City High School, shared her positive experience with the program, which she believes is crucial for real-life scenarios.

"We learned how to apply a tourniquet, how to pack wounds, and how to help people in those situations properly,” said Hatcher. “I think it's a good thing to know how to do if I'm ever in a situation; I feel like that's something I am more prepared to handle." 

The course structure is notably innovative, offering students rotational experiences in various healthcare settings like physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and even fields such as dentistry and nursing. These rotations, scheduled during the second semester, demonstrate the program's commitment to diverse and comprehensive educational experiences.

"We're incredibly thankful for our community's support and the funding from the Park City Education Foundation, which makes programs like this possible, said Shaw. ”PCCAPS continues to set a standard in educational innovation, effectively bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world application.”

As PCCAPS celebrates its 10th year in Park City High School, it has become a cornerstone in the community, consistently introducing cutting-edge programs and fostering an environment where students are encouraged to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world practice.