Northwest Hospital and Baltimore County Public Schools Celebrate Inaugural Year of Innovative Partnership for Health Careers Magnet Schools
Randallstown, MD - Northwest Hospital and Baltimore County Public Schools have created an innovative partnership to offer students at the new Northwest Academy of Health Sciences (formerly Old Court Middle School) an in-depth look at health care careers as well as the education and training it takes to be successful in this profession. At the same time, the magnet program that was already in place at the Randallstown High School Academy of Health Professions is expanding its curriculum in collaboration with the hospital.
"We believe this program will serve as the premier example of how a public and private partnership can inspire Baltimore County students to become tomorrow's leaders in all aspects of health care," says Brian White, president of Northwest Hospital and senior vice president of LifeBridge Health. "I am particularly energized about Northwest Hospital's role in mentoring students at both magnet schools because our goal is to help them become the next doctors, nurses, pharmacists and researchers. These students truly are the future of health care."
The Northwest Academy of Health Sciences (NAHS) offers students rigorous preparation for in-demand health and biotechnology careers. Students who complete the middle school program are guaranteed a spot in the high school track.
Program objectives include developing an integrated, immersive learning experience for students, helping them develop lasting relationships with health professionals at Northwest Hospital and involving their families, educators and communities in the process.
"Health care offers a promising future for our students. We are thrilled to be partnering with Northwest Hospital to offer our students real-world training and education in this exciting and expanding career field," says Dr. S. Dallas Dance, superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools.
As part of the partnership, hospital staff members have already been visiting the schools to share presentations, help with school activities and recruit students into the programs. Students from both schools will also study and have hands-on experiences at the hospital with shadow days and lunch-and-learn sessions.
In fact, ninth grade students from Randallstown High were recently welcomed to Northwest Hospital for a lunch-and-learn event. The students heard from five medical professionals, including a surgeon, a pediatrician, a nurse manager and two physician assistants. The ninth graders then had the opportunity to ask questions.
Additionally, as part of the program, medical talks with expanded rotations and internships will be included once students complete a certain level of coursework, and Northwest will host colleges and career days for NAHS students.
"While many students know about doctors and nurses as career possibilities, our program will introduce these young people to jobs they may not be aware of, such as respiratory therapists, CAT scan technicians and pathologists. I would also encourage students to think about health care administration, including becoming the president of a hospital one day," adds White.
BCPS and Northwest Hospital are also working with Towson University and Stevenson University on partnership opportunities, including potential scholarships for graduating twelfth graders.
Dr. Katina