As a high school junior, he took a class in nursing foundations that changed his life’s trajectory. Esteban Ramirez graduated last May and now studies Biomedical Sciences at the University of Arizona. But before these accomplishments, he set the stage for his future in healthcare as a patient care technician (PCT). He now plans to become a doctor and help young children.
Patient care technicians are just one type of allied health professional- positions that are essential to holding up the infrastructure of our healthcare system and enabling care teams to work more efficiently. Although the shortage of nurses and physicians is familiar, an allied health professional shortage is exacerbating the healthcare workforce crunch. Investment in educating, training, certifying, and onboarding allied health professionals, who are often the first touch points for patients, could greatly alleviate the strain on our existing workforce.
Prior to graduating high school, Esteban earned an internship in the Tucson Medical Center (TMC) cardiac unit, giving him experience caring for multiple patients – taking their vitals and monitoring for any changes in patient status. He also felt the daily impact of hospital workforce shortages, making clear what a crucial role PCTs play in the healthcare system.
Esteban’s allied health career path was forged by Pima JTED (Joint Technical Education District) which works with industry to offer high school students programs that can take them directly into the workforce after graduation and, often, in roles they continue while attending college.
A confluence of factors has changed how students approach their post-secondary plans, and many are considering alternatives to a traditional four-year degree to start their careers. The good news is that some businesses are stepping in and actively recruiting and training “skills-based” individuals who may not have a college degree but need specialized skills a high school degree alone does not provide – such as allied health professionals.
The partnership with TMC and JTED has become invaluable as we collaborate to develop these skills-based, credentialed healthcare workers. We work together to align curriculum in the high school that prepares students for the needs of frontline medical staff – and provides them with an 8-week rotation of in-hospital real-life experience. Tuition assistance and scholarship opportunities are available for students who want to begin an allied health career right out of high school. Our shared goal is to ensure readiness to enter healthcare roles, and the fact that TMC hired half of the participating students in the program this year speaks to the success we are collectively achieving in our community.
We are well aware that Arizona is projected to be 28,000 nurses short in 2025 – leading the nation, which underscores the need to bolster this program.
Esteban – currently working three shifts at Tucson Medical Center while attending college full-time - sees allied health as the glue holding together the healthcare framework. He is getting frontline medical experience which will help him fulfill his career dreams. That’s the beauty of this healthcare career pathway - becoming an allied health professional can serve as an exciting beginning to a future with many career possibilities.
The PIMA JTED and TMC partnership is a model that other communities across the country should strive to emulate if we hope to address this workforce crisis.
We are committed to ensuring there are plenty of qualified people in the US healthcare system to care for us. If we continue to attract and support superstar young people like Esteban who have the heart and commitment to work hard and achieve their dreams – we have served our community well.
Kara Snyder, RN, PhD is the Associate Chief Nursing Officer of Tucson Medical Center.