Virtual cadaver table transforms medical education at Park City High School

Park City, Utah — Park City High School is breaking new ground in health science education with the addition of the Anatomage Table, a state-of-the-art virtual dissection tool that allows students to explore the intricacies of the human body. This cutting-edge resource is part of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Health Science Pathway, designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare with hands-on, immersive learning opportunities.

“This table is more than just an iPad,” said Debbie Alcox, a health sciences teacher at the high school. “It’s an actual real cadaver—multiple cadavers, actually—that students can explore in layers. They can see the skin, muscles, skeleton, nervous system, and more. It’s incredible technology, and the kids love it.”

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One of those students is Chase Noteware, a senior who is conducting a Capstone Research project on the impact of interactive learning tools like the Anatomage Table. “After taking Ms. Alcox’s Anatomy and Physiology class during my sophomore year, I was thrilled at the opportunity to work with her again,” Noteware said. “We agreed that focusing on the Anatomage Table would be both innovative and vital for the growth of PCHS’s new CTE wing.”

Noteware’s pilot study on the Anatomage Table yielded promising results. “Eighty-three percent of participants agreed the lab was enjoyable, 66% reported feeling excited to participate in another session, and 66.7% said they had learned something,” Noteware said. One student shared in an open-ended response, ‘I thought it was a super cool way to learn as well as see how it works. I think it will be very helpful, especially for visual learners.’”

Empowering Students Through Innovation

The acquisition of the Anatomage Table, funded by the Park City Education Foundation, reflects the district’s commitment to equipping students with advanced tools to succeed. Alcox, along with fellow educators Mary Purzycki and Meagan Shaw, worked for over five years to bring the technology to the school. “The timing worked out perfectly,” Alcox said. “If we’d gotten it earlier, it wouldn’t have had the capabilities it has now. We’re so grateful.”

Ingrid Whitley, president and CEO of PCEF, highlighted the importance of the district’s investment in CTE programs. “The Anatomage table is an incredible example of the state-of-the-art learning tools available to our students,” Whitley said. “What’s even more impressive are the myriad tools and equipment across many CTE subjects that ensure student learning is at a professional level—from airplane simulators to dozens of anatomical parts to the top-of-the-line professional kitchen. These facilities, and the best teachers around, are ensuring our students have pathways to college or career—careers that are available right here in Park City.”

Whitley also acknowledged the collaboration that made this expansion possible. “This expansion at PCHS shows what can happen when a community, the school district, and philanthropy come together to support students. Thanks to donors, PCEF is thrilled to provide $350,000 in funding to equip these amazing CTE classrooms.”

Engaging Students with Hands-On Learning

Alcox emphasized the positive impact the table has had on students, fostering engagement and curiosity. “One of the things I love most is seeing students get excited about learning. They’re not just being told what to do—they’re exploring on their own. I’ll hear them say, ‘What happens if I do this?’ and I’ll respond, ‘Why don’t you try it?’ It’s all about encouraging them to think critically and experiment.”

Noteware agreed, adding that the table creates a highly engaging learning environment. “This project has allowed me to see firsthand how interactive tools like the Anatomage Table can make learning enjoyable and impactful for students, especially those who are visual learners,” Noteware said.

Debbie Alcox demonstrates the Anatomage Table at Park City High School, showcasing the skeletal and vascular systems as part of the Career and Technical Education Health Science Pathway.

Real-World Applications and Career Readiness
In addition to the Anatomage Table, the Health Science Pathway offers students the chance to earn certifications such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credentials. “These programs provide students with skills they can immediately use in the workforce,” said Colton Elliott, Public Information Officer for the Park City School District. “They’re gaining real-world experience and certifications that set them up for success whether they choose to go to college or enter the workforce right after high school.”

The school’s CTE wing also includes programs in aviation, food science, business, construction, and engineering, providing students with diverse career pathways. “We have flight simulators, also funded by the Park City Education Foundation, where students can learn to operate drones or even prepare for piloting careers,” Elliott said. “In the construction program, students are building electric cars and creating small structures. It’s truly impressive what these students are accomplishing.”

Alcox echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of health science education. “It’s your body—you should know about it, even if you’re not going into the medical field. This technology helps students understand anatomy in a way that’s engaging and hands-on.”

A Collaborative Effort
The success of the Health Science Pathway is rooted in collaboration between educators, the Park City Education Foundation, and the community. “We’re so lucky to have this program and these resources,” Alcox said. “The table is continuously updated with new software features, which keeps it relevant and exciting. It’s a gift to our students and to us as teachers.”

Looking ahead, the district plans to showcase its innovative programs during February’s Career and Technical Education Month. “We want the community to know about the incredible opportunities here,” Alcox said. “These programs empower students to dream big, explore their passions, and take meaningful steps toward their futures.”