WATERBURY HOSPITAL HOSTS CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Waterbury Hospital hosted ten students from two Waterbury Public Schools as part of the first Career Development Program in partnership with the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board.

The program is part of a larger initiative of the Northwest Healthcare Regional Sector Partnership, in collaboration with local and regional hospitals and healthcare providers, to encourage interest in healthcare careers amongst high school students.

“This internship was a true vision inspired by our healthcare industry partners and has grown beyond our expectations as our first pilot program. We’re so happy to see the students learn so much and explore careers in the exciting field of healthcare,” said Ana Goncalves, Director of Strategic Planning & Development for the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board.

As part of the week-long program the students toured different areas of the hospital and learned hands-on skills including in emergency room, trauma, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), wound care, physical therapy, nutrition, clinical engineering, radiology, laboratory and more.

“These enriching programs open a window of opportunity into great careers for these students and we’re happy to help mentor the future of healthcare,” said Michelle Diaz, Waterbury Hospital Chief Nursing Officer who helped lead the career development program collaboration with the Workforce Board.

The program is the newest of several similar programs for students Waterbury Hospital has sponsored for over two decades. Since 2001 Waterbury Hospital’s Youth Pipeline Initiative, established in as a partnership between Waterbury Hospital and Waterbury Public Schools has provided over 1,000 students and parents in Greater Waterbury with unique educational programs that enhance the overall welfare of our community and promote careers in healthcare.

A two-week Summer Bridge career development and educational program will take place in August and will be open to about 20 students.

About Waterbury HEALTH

Waterbury HEALTH, which includes Waterbury Hospital, Alliance Medical Group, Cardiology Associates of Greater Waterbury, VNA Health at Home and Access Rehab Centers, Greater Waterbury Imaging Center, offers comprehensive healthcare services including primary care, emergency and acute care, and home healthcare. Serving Waterbury and 11 surrounding communities in Western Connecticut, Waterbury HEALTH is a member of Prospect Medical Holdings, Inc., a national family of hospitals and healthcare networks.

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