Springfield, Mass. - September 11, 2026 - For Springfield College student-athlete and physician assistant studies major Bailee Lange (Wynantskill, N.Y.), balancing athletics with professional development has provided an opportunity to explore her interests beyond the basketball court. This summer, Lange gained valuable hands-on experience as an anesthesia technician at Albany Medical Center, where she has been able to see firsthand how different healthcare professionals work together to provide care for patients.
Lange's typical day begins before she even arrives at the hospital. She starts her day staying active, either playing basketball, going for a run, or getting a workout in before heading to work for her afternoon shift.
"I workout in the morning, whether that is basketball, running, or lifting, and then I go to work from 2:00 pm to 10:30 pm," Lange said.
Working as an anesthesia technician has given Lange the opportunity to be directly involved in a fast-paced healthcare environment. One of the experiences that has been the most gratifying has been learning how to respond when unexpected situations arise.
"I am proud to be able to respond to codes and help out depending on the situation given," she said.
Beyond the technical skills she has developed, Lange's experience at Albany Medical Center has provided her with a broader understanding of the healthcare field and the importance of collaboration.
"It has helped me to experience and see the different roles in healthcare and how we are all able to work together to help patients," said Lange.
The experience has also helped Lange better understand the many career paths available within healthcare and the importance of working as part of a team. By experiencing the daily responsibilities of an anesthesia technician, she has gained a clearer perspective on the realities of working in a hospital setting.
For students considering an internship or similar professional experience, Lange's advice is simple: take the opportunity.
"Do it! It has helped me so much to make connections and see the real world of healthcare," she said.
Through her experience at Albany Medical Center, Lange has gained more than professional experience. She has built connections, developed confidence in a healthcare setting and gained a greater appreciation for the teamwork required to care for patients. Her internship has provided her with a valuable foundation as she continues to explore her future in healthcare.
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