A record number of students applied for Mizell Memorial Hospital’s summer job shadowing program.

MMH CEO Jana Wyatt said Tuesday that 30 students applied for the summer program that normally selects 12 students.

“We had so many applicants that we increased the number of spots to 20,” she said.

The program is open to any student 14 to 18 years of age.

“It’s a great way for them to have the opportunity to see if they are truly interested in the medical field,” she said.

Originally, students selected were to report to work in the mornings two days a week, but Wyatt said they expanded it to also include an afternoon session.

The program will begin June 10, with an orientation session and will then run from June 15 through July 24.

“Parents are involved in the orientation process,” she said.

Wyatt said those selected will have the opportunity to spend time volunteering in the emergency room, on the medical floor, in the lab, in the radiology departments and more.

The program runs for six weeks.