JACKSON and JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Oct. 25, 2024) – In response to the growing demand for health care professionals in Southern Oregon, Rogue Community College (RCC) is partnering with local healthcare providers to better serve local communities and support the region’s workforce needs.
According to recent labor reports, the region will require more than 2,300 health care workers in the next five years. RCC’s partnership with local health care providers such as Providence Medford Medical Center is addressing this shortage, providing skilled registered nurses (RNs) and other health care professionals to meet growing demand.
RCC’s career pathways model allows students to begin entry-level training, step into the health care workforce in an entry-level position, and then return to school for advanced training when they are ready for career progression. This provides students multiple entry points to more advanced training along a career pathway in health care. These stackable credentials are designed to provide flexibility for students to work toward long-term goals and family-wage careers, while also meeting the evolving needs of the health care industry.
Dean of Instruction for Health and Public Service David Koehler explains, “Our career pathways approach in health care is truly transformative for both students and our local health care industry. By offering stackable credentials, we’re empowering students to chart their own course at a pace that works for them.”
For example, a student can start as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), gain valuable work experience, and then return to advance their education and career—whether that’s becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), or even pursuing a bachelor’s degree through RCC’s transfer partnerships.
Koehler continues, “This model not only provides multiple on-ramps to higher education and career advancement, but also ensures a steady pipeline of skilled health care professionals to meet our community’s growing needs. It’s a win-win that aligns perfectly with our mission to provide accessible, high-quality education that adapts to the evolving demands of the health care sector.”
Collaborating closely with health care organizations such as Providence Medford Medical Center, RCC has aligned its programming with the needs of local employers, ensuring that students are prepared for the health care workforce. These partnerships provide real-world training opportunities for students, such as clinical training and practicum experiences, and facilitate placing graduates of RCC’s programs into the local health care workforce.
“Our partnerships with local health care organizations are the lifeblood of our health care education programs. These collaborations go far beyond traditional classroom learning, offering our students invaluable hands-on experience in real-world health care settings,” says Koehler.
By working closely with industry leaders like Providence Medford, RCC ensures that its training programs remain cutting-edge and directly align with the evolving needs of the health care sector.
“The workforce challenges in all industries, including health care, are only growing. It’s important we take action to boost the number of skilled people at all levels. RCC has proven to be an extremely valuable contributor to Southern Oregon when it comes to training and education,” says Chris Pizzi, chief executive at Providence Medford, “RCC programs help create a sustainable stream of caregivers to support our community.”
With the health care industry rapidly evolving, RCC’s programs adapt to the needs of the industry. This commitment includes regular collaboration with health care providers to stay ahead of trends and advancements in patient care technology.
For more information on Rogue Community College’s health care programs and partnerships, visit roguecc.edu/AHO.
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For general media inquiries or to schedule an interview with RCC staff, please contact Director, Marketing & Communications/PIO Kelly Gonzales at 541-955-7525, kgonzales@roguecc.edu.