By Gina Martinez
Students at St. Agnes Academic High School in College Point will be able to get hands-on training in their new medical lab.
The private all-girls Catholic school at 13-20 124th St. had a ribbon cutting on the Maureen Martin Fritch ’78 Health Science Lab Sept. 27. Staff at the school said the new facility will offer students new opportunities in a variety of health fields as well, as give the girls an edge when applying to pre-med and nursing programs.
The lab was made possible by donations from Mrs. Fritch, a St. Agnes alumna and support from Northwell Health.
Kathleen Gaughan, assistant Principal of student life and moderator of futures in medicine at St. Agnes, said this is an exciting time for young women in STEM.
“We put the lab in to build and support the STEM program,” she said. “This is where the jobs are and it gives the girls an advantage since thereis a growing interest in the medical field. The lab is currently open for juniors and seniors and educators from Northwell Health are teaching the girls and training them. Our goal is that girls leave the program with certifications and that it gives them an edge when applying to college.”
Gaughan said administrators want incoming students entering the program to become certified nursing assistants and go straight into the work force. Students can use the lab to get hands-on experience and learn everything from CPR , taking vital signs, first aid, AED training certification and fake baby-sitting.
According to Gaughan students are very excited about the lab and are signing up in large numbers.
“The students love it,” she said. “It’s brought new energy and life into the building. We’re the only school with a medical lab, and right now there’s a waiting list for students. Even if they don’t know if they want to go into the medical field, it gives them exposure, opens up the possibility and they have trained professionals answering all of their questions. It’s a wealth of information available to them.”
Gaughan said everyone at St. Agnes is extremely proud of the lab and appreciative of everyone who supported it.
“We think this is just a great opportunity. We’re excited for the future.” she said.
Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmart
