KAISER PERMANENTE

SUMMER DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING PROGRAM

Program Introduction

This paid 8-week program is a unique opportunity for high school and college students, ages 16 and older, to explore careers in Diagnostic Imaging at Maui Kaiser Clinics. Students will learn about four major imaging modalities—X-ray, CT, ultrasound, and MRI—gaining a solid understanding of how each scan works, its role in patient care, and what it’s like to work in a clinical environment. Students will also get the chance to work alongside imaging technologists, helping with daily tasks and observing firsthand what a typical day looks like in the field.

In addition to clinical knowledge, students will build essential career and financial skills through workshops with the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, covering topics like budgeting, planning, and business basics. With free college credit included, this program is designed to help students take meaningful steps toward a successful future in healthcare.

4 DIFFERENT MODALITIES

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MRI

In addition to these professional talks, students also engaged in hands-on simulation exercises, including ultrasound training. Using ultrasound simulation tools, they practiced scanning techniques and learned how to identify different organs and structures on screen. These simulations allowed students to experience what it’s like to handle the probe, adjust settings, and recognize real-time images of the liver, bladder, and blood vessels. This combination of professional mentorship and interactive learning helped bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real-world clinical experience.

PROGRAM DIDACTIC LEARNING

During the program’s didactic learning sessions, students had the unique opportunity to meet and learn from various professionals across different departments at Kaiser. These sessions offered insight into the broader healthcare system and how each role contributes to patient care. Students heard directly from a pharmacist about the role of medication in imaging and treatment, learned from the head nurse about patient safety protocols and clinical workflows, and gained a deeper understanding of how different departments collaborate in a hospital setting.

END OF PROGRAM GRADUATION CEREMONY

The end-of-year graduation ceremony is a special moment for students to reflect on their experiences and share how the program has impacted them. Each student presents a 10-minute showcase focused on one diagnostic imaging modality of their choice—such as X-ray, CT, MRI, or ultrasound.

This final project helps students build real-world skills that go beyond the classroom. They learn how to manage time effectively, stay on schedule, and present with confidence in front of an audience that includes family, instructors, and healthcare professionals. Along the way, they also develop technical skills using Weebly—organizing content, designing layouts, and learning how to communicate their ideas clearly online. The ceremony is a celebration of their hard work and growth, and their websites, organized by modality, serve as a lasting record of their accomplishments and a preview of the bright futures ahead of them.

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII MAUI COLLEGE

As part of the program, students are enrolled in a University of Hawaiʻi Maui College (UHMC) course that meets every other Wednesday with a dedicated professor. These sessions are designed to support students not only in their current learning but also in preparing for life beyond the program. Through weekly assignments and in-class discussions, students explore essential topics like budgeting, financial planning, student loans, time management, and goal setting. These lessons encourage students to think ahead, make informed decisions, and develop habits that will benefit them well into adulthood—whether they choose a career in healthcare or another path.

A key component of the class is the final project: creating a personal website that showcases what students have learned throughout the program. This site includes reflections, highlights from clinical experiences, and future goals, and is presented during the end-of-year graduation ceremony. The course not only reinforces academic and professional development but also gives students a sense of accomplishment and direction as they prepare to take their next steps. It’s a thoughtful blend of career preparation and personal growth, designed to set students up for long-term success.