A group of Palm Springs High School students are learning what careers in the medical field are all about.

The students, who are a part of the Partners in Education program, are interns at Desert Regional Medical Center.

In addition to working four hours a week at the hospital, they attend a class once a week that allows them to take field trips, host guests speakers and learn about a variety of subjects relevant to the medical field.

“They have to go through extensive interviews, do lab work and TB testing to be a part of the program,” said Fern Rudd, coordinator for Partners in Education and Work Experience at Palm Springs High School.

Karla Zapata, a senior at the school, said she works in the emergency room and trauma facilities.

“They let you do a variety of different things,” Zapata said. “Sometimes we get people fainting, dehydrated or with broken bones.”

Rudd said the program is helped through community involvement and financial support.

“On the Go Scrubs gave us a 30 percent discount on the scrubs, and a grant from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians covered the cost of the scrubs,” Rudd said.

A partnership with the hospital gives the students the opportunity to work in specialized units and learn HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations and sterile hygiene.

Some students have already applied to colleges and look forward to careers as doctors and nurses.

Saini Sarabijit, a junior who interns in ultrasound and radiology, hopes to become a pediatric doctor. Senior Talia Salado, who interns in the trauma and intensive care unit, said she's applied to San Diego State University, San Jose State University and has already been accepted into California State University, San Bernardino.

“They do such an awesome job of representing the school while they're learning,” Rudd said.