Why Desoto County High School Chose BodyViz to Train the Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals
by Taylor Carlson | May 29, 2025
.jpg "Training the Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals with Amy Wuthrich and Desoto County High School")
At Desoto County High School in Florida, Amy Wuthrich has spent the past six years building one of the most immersive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs in the state. With a deep background in nursing and healthcare education, Amy knew she wanted to equip her students with the tools professionals use in the field. That’s why she turned to BodyViz. “I've spent the last six years finally honing my toolkit for the class. And that's why I'm so excited about BodyViz,” she shared.
Using funds from the Critical Workforce Needs Grant, Amy brought BodyViz into her classroom alongside real-world equipment and hands-on resources. As a Registered Nurse (RN, BSN), Health Sciences teacher, and chair of Desoto’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, Amy’s goal was to create an environment where students feel like professionals from day one. “My biggest goal is for these students to know that they're valued and know that they add value,” she said. BodyViz became the cornerstone of that effort. "First thing on the list was BodyViz, then the laptops to run it."
"It's as real-world as you can get without actually holding the files in your hands.”
BodyViz helps educators transform their courses into an engaging, hands-on field of study with our easy-to-use 3D Anatomy Learning Platform. Consisting of our user-friendly virtual dissection software and an online suite of ready-to-use educational activities, students can dissect, visualize, and study anatomical structures through non-destructive, repeatable virtual dissections. Step-by-step instructions walk students through the virtual dissection activities so they can apply the information they've learned. Direct integration with BodyViz software creates a virtual dissection experience that makes it easy for students to complete their assignments while promoting interactive, collaborative learning experiences.
Desoto’s program includes ten hospital style bed stations, an AI mannequin, and a wide array of medical equipment, all of which BodyViz integrated with seamlessly. The software gives students the ability to explore a wide range of pathologies, real patient data and case studies, and visualize 3D anatomy in a way that textbooks never could. “It gives them something they can see, something tangible that they can play with and manipulate,” Amy said. “The more you can give them real-world experiences, the better it is, which goes right back to BodyViz.” Even with limited time before state testing, BodyViz made an immediate impact. “We only had it for a few days before the end of the year, but I was able to show them so much cool cardiac stuff. For them to say, ‘Oh, now I get it’, I get excited about the light bulbs coming on.”
“With BodyViz, students can take laptops, sit on the beds or in the corners, and just fully immerse themselves. That’s a much better bang for your buck. What I want is authentic."
Rather than being confined to one place or setup, students could take laptops anywhere in the room. A versatile tool was key for Amy since healthcare workers don’t always work from one fixed space in the real world. With BodyViz, students don’t have to be in the classroom either. Amy’s teaching style includes plenty of group projects and hands-on learning. The ability for students to move around, explore different assignments, and work with real-world data made all the difference. “You’re not always going to have a big, expensive tool outside of school to study with. BodyViz opens up so much more opportunity.”
Amy also acknowledged the challenge educators face in getting administrative support for new technologies. But with BodyViz, that wasn’t a problem. "It wasn't difficult at all to get the buy-in. It was just expressing the vision.” Her principal, Dr. White, supported the choice from the start. “BodyViz is so much more flexible and adaptable to the classroom and to the students. That really was the clincher for me.”
From classrooms to lecture halls, BodyViz works in any setting. “I knew it was cool, but to be able to customize it... I mean, it's a complete encyclopedia and a blank slate at the same time.” Students took notice too. “Even our graduating seniors say, ‘I can’t believe we’re finally getting something good, and we’re leaving.’ As an alum myself, it's incredible to see this kind of progress. No other Title I high school around here has anything like it. BodyViz is a huge part of that change, and it gives me real hope for the future.”
That impact extends beyond the classroom. Desoto’s HOSA students have reached more than 70,000 people through a mental health initiative honoring a former classmate. Students also assist at nursing homes, support Special Olympics events, and complete clinicals in the community. The program’s enrollment has grown from just under 30 students to more than 100 expected in fall 2025.
“When students can see that people have invested in them, they're willing to do more investing into others.”
BodyViz plays a key role in supporting that mission. Students can access the platform from home, which is especially important for athletes, students with health challenges, or those facing difficult environments. Amy spoke candidly about its impact. “Some students need a space to learn privately, without distractions or negativity. A platform they can access on their phones? That’s transformational. It meets them where they are and gives them a real opportunity to succeed.”
Amy’s experience with the BodyViz team stood out as a major highlight in the implementation process. After facing previous issues with district hardware, she was relieved to find how responsive and supportive the BodyViz staff was in helping her get up and running, and ensuring a smooth transition for the incoming teacher. “The BodyViz Team was very supportive through it all, and very patient with me,” she said. “The content team was so nice, and they made it easy to learn how to use the software and platform.” Amy emphasized the value of the support, especially the ready-made resources aligned with Florida Board of Education standards.
As Amy prepares to retire, she leaves behind a legacy built on compassion, innovation, and a belief in the potential of every student. Her final words speak to the heart of her career and the mission she shares with BodyViz.
"I think the most important thing we can do as educators, healthcare providers, and professionals is to first remember that we are human, and that everyone around us is human too. When we keep that in mind in everything we do, we begin to truly understand our mission: to improve the human experience, for ourselves and for others."
The BodyViz team would like to thank Amy Wuthrich and Desoto County High School for their dedication to healthcare education. Amy, thank you for including us in your legacy. We wish you a restful, fulfilling retirement.
Interested in BodyViz for your classroom?
Schedule a demo today to learn how you can incorporate BodyViz into your course and give your students the opportunity to study using authentic 3D dissection derived from real-patient data.
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