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The Page County Technical Center is enhancing Virginia’s health care workforce pipeline by increasing student enrollment in the course “Introduction to Health and Medical Sciences” and the Program of Studies in EMT, LPN and CNA. The project also targets an additional health care Program of Studies in partnership with Valley Health Medical Corporation.
Project Goal
The Page County Technical Center (PCTC), located in a high priority area for health services, is growing the health science department to include a Health Sciences Summer Academy in conjunction with Valley Health. The goal of the project is to prepare skilled individuals to become successful health care technicians and professionals with potential employment in the community. PCTC is working with the Valley Health Advisory Group on a regional Health Science Career Pathway Program. To enhance student recruitment, Lord Fairfax Community College is partnering with Page County school division by funding a part time Career Coach to assist in recruiting students for health care Program of Studies at PCTC.
Current Status
The Health Sciences Summer Academy invites six Page County Public School students to participate in a two week camp. During the camp, students complete a health science course and participate in shadowing opportunities in health careers of their choice at various hospitals.
Measuring the Impact
The Health Sciences Summer Academy affords 15 students the opportunity to engage in health career learning experiences who otherwise would not have the opportunity. These students will be able to apply their knowledge and skills to future medical training as they interact with hospital staff members, doctors and patients in the Valley Health Hospitals.
Working Together to Increase Student Interest in Health Careers
This project is a great opportunity for the community. It allows interested students to gain first-hand experience in the myriad of health professions. Student feedback is very positive and supports the Health Sciences Summer Academy. The project engages students, community members and staff at Winchester Medical Center and Lord Fairfax Community College.
