For the last 10 years, Parkview leadership has been working to pull high school students, universities and health care systems together to provide an innovative learning experience that will allow teens and young adults to find out what career options are available in healthcare. The Parkview Education Center (PEC) recently opened its doors in the Harris Building at the corner of Lima and Cook roads, and it does just that. The center is the result of an innovative consortium between Parkview Health, Fort Wayne Community Schools and Ivy Tech Community College. It’s a unique environment where young people, college students and professionals can learn together in a shared space that will include Parkview training and onboarding activities, FWCS Career Academy’s health science programs and Ivy Tech’s health services training programs.
The PEC provides both classroom and simulated experience options for students and current healthcare professionals. The classrooms, laboratories and collaborative spaces will allow for people from all skillsets and backgrounds to grow together, enabling high school students to discover potential career paths, giving adults the chance to earn college degrees and certifications, and equipping Parkview co-workers to enhance their skills.
“Students are going to have a richer education base,” Sue Ehinger, Chief Experience Officer, Parkview Health, said, “because they’re right in the middle of simulation. They can talk to people. They can ask questions. It’s a way for us to keep people in the community and grow our own caregivers. To me, that’s one of the most exciting parts.”
The need for health professionals continues to grow exponentially according to U.S. Labor statistics. Through the PEC, we’re able to enhance the way that students and healthcare professionals learn and work together. Educators can partner across the consortium, sharing not only space, but also resources, technology and best-practices. Young adults can literally see pictures of their future as they meet and interact with experts in their fields of interest. Learners can encourage each other despite their age, academic accomplishments or experience levels.
Although healthcare careers are the primary focus, the PEC will attract a variety of classes, meetings and activities for multiple careers. Investing in both current and future leaders results in better outcomes for organizations and, in turn, our communities. Learning activities of all kinds will enhance the knowledge of our future leaders and make them more effective. It’s our hope that organizations will be able to use the PEC as a resource to better equip their current leaders and further develop others into the roles needed for the future.
The PEC was built with the belief that allowing such a diverse group of people to share ideas fuels innovation and results in a more comprehensive learning experience for current and aspiring healthcare professionals. What a great opportunity to work with young people and adults who want to learn about different fields of interest and give them a firsthand view of potential career options! By offering an innovative approach to education, we’re helping to ensure that healthcare in our region will thrive well into the future.
Image originally featured on jounalgazeete.net.
