Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center Announces Educational Partnership with Bishop McCort Catholic High School

Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center has announced an educational partnership with Bishop McCort Catholic High School. Beginning this fall, Bishop McCort students interested in pursuing a healthcare career can jumpstart their post-secondary education by participating in the Health Education, And Learning (H.E.A.L.) program.

The H.E.A.L. curriculum will be offered to AP-enrolled students in 9^th through 12^th grades. The classes will include Medical Terminology, Lab Sciences, Healthcare Exploration, and Healthcare Leadership. The classes will be taught by Bishop McCort faculty in conjunction with Conemaugh Medical Center's health professionals. Students enrolled in the program will also receive hands-on education through onside job shadowing at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center.

According to Rodney Reider, Market President and CEO of Conemaugh Health System, "Healthcare remains the number one industry in the United States, and it will continue to grow. This program will introduce students to the breadth of career options available in healthcare and provide a path for education, whether through traditional degree programs or one of the many non-traditional certificates and job-training tracks."

Principal/CAO, Tom Smith is excited about the opportunities that H.E.A.L. will present to the students at Bishop McCort. "This program will lead the way for students hoping to advance into the healthcare field after graduation. Working with the staff at Conemaugh and experiencing the actual hospital atmosphere is pivotal for the students' future careers in healthcare. Given our proximity to the main campus of Conemaugh, this an ideal cooperative initiative."

Slated to begin this fall, the H.E.A.L. curriculum will introduce students to clinical and non-clinical professions within healthcare including physicians, nursing, radiology, laboratory, coding, emergency medicine technicians, managers, medical writers, and administrators. Any student considering a future in healthcare will benefit from the H.E.A.L. program.

"We know that academic enrichment and mentoring programs, such as H.E.A.L., pique interest, provide opportunities, and launch careers," said Kris O'Shea, Chief Nursing Officer.

Reider added "Our partnership with Bishop McCort is truly inspiring. By investing in the education of future healthcare providers and leaders, we are supporting our community's growth and ensuring a brighter, healthier future for all. This partnership is a win for our students, hospital, and community."