Southwest Health and Southwest Technical College have teamed up to encourage potential and incoming students to consider a career in health care. After the disruption of COVID-19, health care faces a historic challenge in attracting, developing, and retaining a workforce. Our organizations have engaged with audiences at different education and age levels to encourage them to think about health care when deciding on their career.
During TechTrek, area students entering grades 7-9 participated in Southwest Technical College’s week-long day camp to explore technical careers. Southwest Health sponsored all medical field classes for the students. Courses included Surgical Exploration, Fire & EMS Response, At the Heart of Medical Assisting, and Microscopy. Our sponsorship included covering the $50 class fee and giveaways. This program gets kids excited about health care. After the program, we received feedback from the instructors, facilitators, and students.
“Thank you so much for covering the cost of my TechTrek session. I greatly appreciate your support for TechTrek. Thank you!” - Abilene
Southwest Health and five other area hospitals all signed an agreement pledging $75,000 over the next three years to expand the Southwest Tech Associate Degree Nursing course. With the support of Southwest Health and other area hospitals, increased enrollment and graduation goes from once a year to twice, with students enrolling both in August and January.
Southwest Health has engaged with the area audience to promote health care. Meeting the area’s need for health care professionals is going to take a continuous effort. These programs are just two steps toward creating a healthier Southwest Wisconsin.