South College hosts Boys & Girls Club students for interactive look at healthcare professions and education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 30, 2026

South College Orlando hosted approximately 40 students from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida for a hands-on introduction to professional pathways in healthcare and a glimpse at what that educational journey could entail.

The students are part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, which operates 38 clubs in five counties and is one of the largest in the country. The club members were immersed in interactive demonstrations in a variety of healthcare fields, including Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assisting and Surgical Technology.

“Careers in healthcare fields are some of the fastest-growing opportunities in the country and especially in Florida,” South College Orlando President Melissa McMahon said. “This event is an opportunity for young people to see what pursuing a future in healthcare could look like and inspire them to follow their dreams, whether that’s here at South College or elsewhere.”

The students rotated through labs exploring various healthcare fields before participating in a culminating medical simulation demonstrating techniques and technology exhibited throughout the afternoon in South College labs.

“An education at South College can lead to multiple pathways in healthcare,” said McMahon.” “We want to encourage students to continue their education after high school, and perhaps even foster the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

The South College Orlando campus opened in 2021 and has expanded its original program offerings, which now include healthcare-related certificate, associate and bachelor’s programs in areas such as Health Science, Imaging Science, Medical Assisting, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy and Surgical Technology.

South College Orlando recently celebrated a campus expansion, adding more than 25,000 square feet to its footprint to enhance instructional facilities and accommodate a growing student body and catalog of programs. The extra space will prove vital as the second cohort of 100 students begins the Master of Health Science Physician Assistant (PA) program this fall.

Learn more about South College Orlando from students and administrators on Episode 17 of the “Live From South College” Podcast – LIVE from Orlando!

For more information about South College Orlando visit south.edu/orlando.

South College offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and CBE.

About South College

South College serves more than 20,000 students and is proud of its more than 20,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and CBE. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.

South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.