|
Introduction
In rural Minnesota, healthcare worker shortages can mean longer drives and longer wait times for appointments. For some rural residents, this additional barrier will mean they do not receive needed care.
Many areas are already experiencing workforce strain. Job vacancies are trending up and many current providers are preparing to retire, leading to concerns that workforce gaps will get worse in coming years (Minnesota Department of Health, 2022).
One strategy to fill these gaps involves intervening early on—before future healthcare workers have completed high school. These early-exposure initiatives engage K-12 students with the goal of providing opportunities for career exploration and making sure students have resources, mentorship and support if they do choose to pursue a career in health care. As interest in these types of efforts has grown, several critical access hospitals, health systems and community organizations across the state have developed educational programs aimed at accomplishing these goals. This series will explore some of these programs and highlight work being done across Minnesota to build a sustainable future workforce.
High-STEP Health Sciences Academy
High-STEP Health Sciences Academy was established in 2010 by Career Academies Manager Amanda Bell as a part of the South Central Service Cooperative, a regional service cooperative that facilitates programs for schools and local government in south central Minnesota. There are nine service cooperatives throughout the state of Minnesota that were established in 1976 by the Minnesota Legislature. The High-STEP program was created to build student interest and engagement around healthcare careers, and to help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this field. Today, students throughout south central Minnesota can enroll in High-STEP Health Sciences Academy courses as part of their high school curriculum and receive college credit through South Central College.
Dustin Julius has served as a coordinator for High-STEP Health Sciences Academy for the past three years. The courses cover topics including healthcare career exploration, healthcare communications, employment skills, teamwork and leadership.
Last fall, Julius taught an introductory Health Care Core Foundations class for 13 different area high schools. The course was structured as a hybrid class. Students spent four days each week working through virtual course materials at their respective high schools. One day a week, they would meet at a local hospital or clinic for in-person sessions with healthcare professionals. Students dressed in scrubs, listened to presentations from healthcare workers and participated in hands-on activities.
After students complete the Health Care Core Foundations class, they are able to enroll in a spring semester course on Medical Terminology, which is offered through South Central College. Once students have completed these introductory courses, they are able to take other classes aligned with their interests. High-STEP Health Sciences Academy offers courses in basic nursing, personal training, sports medicine, medical administration and chemistry.
According to Julius, the students find the courses relevant and worthwhile. It is hard for them to wonder, “when am I ever going to use this?” while they engage with healthcare workers and see the relevance firsthand. Furthermore, the program provides a foundation of knowledge and experience as they consider different career paths, including healthcare.
Providing these opportunities for students involves some work. Julius spends his week moving between communities, meeting his students for in-person sessions, and serving as the point person for school, industry and community partners. From the outside, this role sounds complex. But after years of building the program and developing relationships, coordinating these multiple pieces goes smoothly.
Since the program is based in partnership, contributions from healthcare providers and community members are essential; a strong response and willingness from south central Minnesota communities has helped the program thrive. “Everyone sees the value and is willing to open their doors to have students in,” Julius explained. “It’s amazing to see how many people are willing to come and share.”
This response appears to be paying returns. High-STEP Health Sciences Academy alumni have enrolled in radiology programs, become emergency medical technicians, or pursued other healthcare paths. Some former students have returned and now work in health care locally.
Julius recognizes success even when students don’t return to south central Minnesota. Investing in youth and helping them to explore their career options helps everyone. “Rural health care is a big need,” Julius said. "It's not just in south central Minnesota, but everywhere.” Investing in youth and helping them to explore their career options helps everyone.
In coming years, the South Central Service Cooperative hopes to continue offering career programs like High-STEP Health Sciences Academy and to keep reaching students who will benefit from non-traditional education models. With participation in the program increasing each year, this approach shows strong potential to strengthen the workforce in south central Minnesota and in rural communities throughout the state.
References
Minnesota Department of Health. (Updated 2023). Rural Health Care in Minnesota: Data Highlights, Retrieved from Minnesota Department of Health: https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/ruralhealth/docs/summaries/rhcmn.pdf
|
