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Health care worker shortages continue to plague the industry, with up to 47% of workers planning to leave their positions by 2025. In Nashville, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) is taking proactive steps to address the talent pipeline needs by collaborating with local education institutions.

Peggy Valentine, vice president of allied health education at VUMC, highlights the critical need for allied health workers in various professions such as medical assistants, EMT/paramedics, pharmacy techs, and medical laboratory scientists. These professionals play a vital role in supporting patient care and hospital operations.

VUMC has partnered with Nashville State Community College (NSCC) to provide training programs for medical assistants and central sterile processing. The collaboration includes funding for tuition, books, uniforms, and supplies for employees looking to advance their careers in health care.

Additionally, VUMC has initiated a scholarship program with Tennessee State University to recruit respiratory therapists, addressing the national shortage in this field. Students who accept the scholarship commit to working at VUMC for a specified period, helping to fill critical roles in the hospital.

At the high school level, Pearl-Cohn High School is working to expose students to various health care career pathways, including medical assisting, HR positions, nurse practitioners, traveling nurses, and surgery techs. By providing students with certifications and internships, the school is preparing them for future success in the health care industry.

Overall, these collaborations between VUMC, local educational institutions, and high schools are not only addressing the current health care worker shortages but also creating opportunities for individuals to pursue rewarding careers in the industry. By investing in the talent pipeline and providing support for education and training, these initiatives are helping to build a diverse and skilled health care workforce for the future.