This past school year, local students found out that not all learning takes place in the classroom. Amador and Calaveras County teens in the Regional Occupational Program, or ROP, received health care work experience firsthand at Sutter Amador Hospital . Thirteen of these young adults were honored recently at a Student Appreciation Day Breakfast at Sutter Amador Hospital. During the reception, Doug Archer, Executive Recruiter for Sutter Health and former employee of Sutter Amador Hospital, congratulated the students and shared with them the benefits of having a career in health care. School representatives presented certificates to each of the students who participated from their schools.

Anne Platt, CEO of Sutter Amador Hospital concluded the reception by sharing with the students the many rewards working in health care has in store for them. The ROP program is offered to all high school seniors and allows those who participate to gain valuable hands-on experience in a variety of health care fields. “Students who are interested in pursuing a career in health care reap many benefits from this program,” says Barbara Wells, Education Manager. Enrolled students dedicate, on average, about 8 – 10 hours per week throughout the school year working in select departments at the hospital or at one of our off site health centers.