HSHS Offers Summer Healthcare Bootcamps

High school students interested in pursuing a career in health care are invited to apply for the Summer 2026 High School Healthcare Bootcamps at three Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) locations in central Illinois.

The programs will be offered at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur and HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham. The bootcamps are designed for high school juniors and seniors to gain a realistic look into a variety of health care roles while building connections in the field.

"This job shadowing experience is a great opportunity for students interested in choosing a career in health care to learn about the different roles at our hospitals and experience hands-on skills sessions with our health care professionals,” said Ericka Mulroy, Nursing Professional Development Specialist for Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS).

Participants will have the opportunity to connect with HSHS employment specialists and learn about career pathways before graduating high school.

The program also highlights past participant experiences. In 2023, Destiny Ross attended the HSHS High School Healthcare Bootcamp at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon and is now pursuing a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant through HSHS St. Elizabeth’s CNA Program.

"During the bootcamp, I learned the importance of compassion, attention to detail and patient-centered care. It showed me that being a CNA is not just about skills, but about truly caring for others. I chose this path to make a difference, and I’m excited to begin my journey with HSHS,” Ross said.

Applications for the bootcamps are due May 2. Each location and date requires a separate application, and selected students will be notified by May 14.

Bootcamp sessions are scheduled as follows:

Springfield (HSHS St. John’s Hospital):

• June 9

• June 25

• July 28

Decatur (HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital):

• July 14

Effingham (HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital):

• June 18

All bootcamps are free to students, supported by local HSHS foundations.

More information about the program and HSHS is available at hshs.org.