IU Health, IPS Create Fellowship for Healthcare Career
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowStudents at Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis have an opportunity to pursue a career in healthcare thanks to a unique partnership between Indianapolis Public Schools and IU Health. The school sits just a short distance from the health system’s main campus.
The two organizations created a fellowship that, once completed, will provide students a job offer from IU Health and tuition assistance to complete a related degree.
In an interview on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, IU Health Director of Strategic Partnerships Jamal Smith said the program intends to help create a robust pipeline of healthcare workers.
“I don’t think that IU health is unique to the issues of recruitment and retention, we just so happen to be the largest employer having to deal with that proverbial issue,” said Smith. “But in our view, doubling down on the investment in the educational space, in which we’re looking to create that pipeline in partnership with IPS, is a great way to start.”
IPS Post-Secondary Readiness Officer Jennifer O’Shea said this new fellowship program is an extension of existing programs already offered through the high school.
“Crispus Attucks High School has a nursing pathway in which students earn their CNA, certified nursing assistant certification. And this really builds upon that,” explained O’Shea. “So, in addition to that certification, they are now able to pursue either a medical assistant certification or a patient care assistant certification. And that really opens many more doors.”
The fellowship will be eligible for freshmen currently enrolled at Crispus Attucks with the opportunity to apply to the program next spring.
When the student graduates and completes the fellowship, they will receive a job offer from IU Health, along with tuition assistance to complete a related degree.
Smith says IU Health wants the program to not only teach skills needed for a career in healthcare but to also prepare the students in a broader sense.
“We want to make sure that we provide those supplemental supports that help with character development and life skill development. So, the kids are not just academically ready to enter. But, culturally ready and industry ready,” said Smith.
While this fellowship is currently healthcare-focused, O’Shea says the program could be replicated for other industries.
“We think that this is a really great model in terms of the employer coming to the table to really help identify those needs. Help us sort through what is the right curriculum and certifications and then really saying, ‘If students complete this, they are hireable,’” said O’Shea.