Students at Fishers Junior High School are getting a firsthand look at the medical field through an immersive, weeklong hospital simulation taking place inside the school.

Seventh grade science teacher Deborah Kletch has transformed the school’s media center into a functioning mock hospital, where students assume the roles of doctors, nurses and lab technicians. Working in teams, students diagnose patients, run lab tests and develop treatment plans in a setting designed to mirror real-world healthcare environments.

The simulation also includes a surgical practice area, where students perform procedures that emphasize precision and teamwork.

“This project gives students the opportunity to think and act like real healthcare providers,” Kletch said. “They’re not just learning content; they’re using critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills in a way that makes the learning feel real and meaningful.”

Known as “Kletch Medical Center,” the program was first introduced in 2017 and has continued to grow each year with new components and activities. The current version blends hands-on learning with collaboration, offering students an experience that goes beyond traditional classroom instruction.

Students spend an entire week participating in the simulation, applying scientific concepts in practical scenarios while gaining exposure to potential careers in healthcare.

The program is supported by an innovation grant from the Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation, which helps fund materials and resources needed to create the hospital environment.

School officials say the project reflects a broader effort within Hamilton Southeastern Schools to provide real-world learning opportunities, giving students practical experience while building skills they can carry into future academic and career pursuits.