It’s widely known that across the United States, our communities face a health epidemic of chronic disease; according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 60% of adults have one chronic disease, with 40% facing two or more. This epidemic, which impacts longevity, quality of life and the cost of healthcare, demands leadership and learning to help identify and deliver the care our communities deserve.

Allied health professionals, which make up more than 60% of the healthcare industry workforce, play a critical and often behind-the-scenes role in caring for patients and ensuring that the flow of patients operates efficiently within healthcare institutions. Our communities depend on well-trained allied health professionals to ensure timely, quality care for patients, but currently, most communities across the United States are experiencing a shortage in the workforce.

Nearly 18 years ago as a teenager, Jamie Bornt began working as a cashier at her local Hannaford grocery store. Over time she earned a promotion to manage the customer service department, where she excelled in meeting the needs of customers. As a star employee, Bornt’s talent and demeanor caught the attention of the store’s pharmacy manager.

Contributors: Kim Doerflinger, Antrea Dowd, Elizabeth Thompson, Julie Walters and Davene Yankle, MS-HSM, BSN, CCRN

Contributors: Glenn Albright, Ph.D. and Ron Goldman

After completing intensive training, a hospital corpsman takes a pledge that says they will hold the care of the sick and injured to be a privilege and a sacred trust. This pledge isn’t taken lightly, and becomes ingrained in those who dedicate their military career to providing medical care to those in need. 

Contributor: Janet Rapuano, Ph.D.

How High School Students are Entering Healthcare Careers Earlier and More Prepared

CTE in the community

Across the United States, communities watch with pride as high school graduates walk across the stage and then into career opportunities. Many of these career and technical education (CTE) graduates earned not only their high school diplomas, but also received hands-on experience and education toward a specific career path. Often, students who choose a health sciences track within their CTE program can graduate with one or more allied health credential, providing them with a direct path to employment. These students and their communities are reaping the benefits of their achievements.   

After working as a medical assistant for nearly 30 years, LeAnn Thorne, CCMA, sought career advancement by earning industry credentials — and she didn’t let a brain tumor diagnosis stop her.

Contributors: Beth Boynton, RN, MS and Lisette Martinez, MBA

Every patient and every provider has a unique story. Ethnicity, economic status, religious beliefs, weight, height, gender identity…all of these factors and more can play a role in how each patient and each provider experiences and interacts with the world around them. These differences add complexity in the provider-patient relationship — but they also add opportunity to grow and personalize the care experience. That personalization can lead to improved communication, trust, and ultimately, to better patient outcomes.

Finding your calling can often be a winding and indirect journey. For Deitra Watson, it was the journey that led her to a fulfilling, exciting career.

Contributors: Keith Boring, Phillip Trezza, RACR and Carl Vickers

Hiring in healthcare is difficult. Finding a person with all the right qualifications plus the professionalism skills that elevate performance is no easy task for employers. However, there’s a large pool of potential candidates who have been trained in a way that instills a strong work ethic, cultural competence, and the leadership experience employers desire. Unfortunately,
this group’s training program is not well-understood, often leaving them overlooked.