A group of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) teachers throughout the state of Alabama recently spent three days at East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) as part of an immersive learning experience hosted by the Alabama Department of Workforce and East Alabama Health.
The experience, called the STEM Teacher Externship Program (STEP), connects educators with industry leaders to bridge the gap between classroom education and workforce preparation, as well as identify career pathways they could encourage students to explore.
“Preparing tomorrow’s workforce starts with giving educators a closer look at the skills and opportunities students will need to succeed,” said Susan Johnston, chief human resources officer at East Alabama Health. “Every career has a path, and at East Alabama Health, we’re committed to helping grow a sustainable workforce that serves our community.”
During the three-day program, the visiting educators shadowed areas with some of the most in-demand career opportunities, such as emergency services, pharmacy, radiology and many others. Along with their shadowing experiences, the teachers also heard from East Alabama Health on the skills most sought after in the health care workforce.
Representatives from East Alabama Health’s Workforce Development department also provided insight into the organization's workforce and training programs, giving teachers a closer look at how the organization is helping prepare future health care professionals.
East Alabama Health is a regional leader in workforce development, offering numerous programs to help train expert clinical professionals. These include Earn and Learn opportunities that combine paid class and work experience for high school students, scholarships for employees pursuing higher education, and partnerships with colleges and universities for on-site, paid degree programs.
About East Alabama Health
East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital in Valley, East Alabama Medical Center North in Opelika, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinics and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 316-bed regional referral hospital. EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital provides emergency and outpatient services while its campus also features a nursing home and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 4,100 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University.
A Future-Ready Healthcare Workforce
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