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Southeast Health and Dothan City Schools cut the ribbon on the Academy of Health Sciences & Biomedical Science

SE Health    DCS

Southeast Health and Dothan City Schools cut the ribbon on the Academy of Health Sciences & Biomedical Science

The partnership will help ensure the availability of the future medical workforce

DOTHAN, Ala. - Southeast Health and Dothan City Schools cut the ribbon Friday officially beginning a business and education partnership that will enhance the current learning opportunities available for students at the Dothan Technology Center and establish an Academy of Health Sciences and Biomedical Science at Dothan Technology Center. Ribbon Cutting

“Southeast Health is the largest employer in Houston County, and we believe this investment in our educational system will help ensure the availability of a future medical workforce in our community – and the continued availability of quality healthcare, both of which are key to attracting businesses and industries, and thus jobs,” noted Kelly Hurt, Southeast Health’s Chief Human Resources Officer.

Chris Duke, director of Career Technical Education & Workforce Development for Dothan City Schools, said the partnership will provide advanced learning opportunities for students and it is the first industry partner of this magnitude in the career tech arena for Dothan City Schools. 

“In addition to ensuring we have a workforce to care for our citizens, the partnership will also provide more hands-on educational experiences and learning opportunities for our youth,” Duke explained. “The early career exposure will help students get a jump-start on their career path and the financial support will enhance our existing programs.”

Southeast Health will benefit as well.

“Schools impact the future of our community by educating our workforce. We see this partnership as an investment in our educational system which will enhance our future staff and the organization long term.” Hurt noted.

The partnership was announced following Dothan City Schools’ August 19 Board Meeting, where board members voted to approve participation in the program.

"I am very pleased to have such a prominent healthcare organization, Southeast Health, as a partner," says Dothan City Schools Superintendent Dr. Phyllis Edwards.  “We want to provide quality training to our students and this can only be accomplished by connecting with actual professionals in the field. We want our students pursuing a career in the healthcare field, to have access to the right equipment, technology, and training,” says Dr. Edwards.

Biomed Students Skelton Biomed

Biomedical Studies Partnership & Academy of Health Sciences

First-hand Experiences in the Field of Health Care

Students enrolled in the two academies will learn firsthand through a variety of opportunities, including:

  • Job Shadowing and Observations
  • Internships and Mentoring
  • Tours (Hospital, Clinics and Medical School)
  • Speakers
  • Employment opportunities

The goals of the Southeast Health/ Dothan City Schools partnership provide benefits for both students and the Health Care System by:

  • Exposing students to healthcare careers at an earlier age.
  • Increasing the number of students who choose a healthcare career by linking education with career skills and firsthand experiences.
  • Aligning the education curriculum to prepare students for the health, science and biomedicine needs of the future.

Students benefit through the partnership by:

  • Developing academic and future career interests through exposure to health sciences and biomedical science curriculum.
  • Exploring career goals and abilities.
  • Learning about the range of health careers.
  • Gaining knowledge by observing and interacting with professionals.

Southeast Health benefits by:

  • Readying a more viable and experienced workforce.
  • Creating opportunities for the early recruitment of potential employees.
  • Enhancing creativity and innovation in its workplaces.
  • Sharing its expertise to help fuel ongoing interest in health careers.

Southeast Health has pledged:

  • An initial investment of $25,000 in each program for equipment, supplies, classroom set-up, and technology needs;
  • Annual investments of $20,000 over a three-year period;
  • Southeast Health’s total investment includes $130,000 over the three-year period ($65,000 for each program);
  • And branding and program naming rights.

Additional Elements of the Agreement Include:

  • Classroom signage and set up that simulates the Southeast Health work environment.
  • The continued participation of students in job shadowing, internships and learning opportunities from other healthcare providers.
  • The curriculum will continue to be developed and maintained by Dothan City Schools.
  • Southeast Health may suggest a curriculum that aligns student education with workplace needs.
  • A portion of the sponsorship may support Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) students in competitive events, by providing uniforms, study materials, and travel expenses.

Additional Southeast Health Value-Added Support includes:

  • A designated go-to intermediary for relationship development.
  • Minimum of three clinical speakers per program per year.
  • Student tours at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM) and Southeast Health Medical Center. 

 

Southeast Health Medical Center Support:

  • Annual internship placement for students (number subject to availability).
  • Volunteer opportunities for students who qualify.
  • Opportunities for students 18 and older to apply for employment.
  • Digital lecture attendance for appropriate topics at Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine.
  • Donations of retired medical equipment as available and appropriate for student use.

Requested Support by Dothan City Schools:

  • Data sharing regarding the success and impact of the partnership (annual enrollment numbers, etc.).
  • Faculty participation in an annual program review at the end of each school year.
  • A report detailing how the funds were used at the end of each year.