Columbus Community Hospital recently released its second annual report outlining the success of the Health Science Pathway program. The educational program gives area high schools, Central Community College and the hospital an opportunity to collaborate. It allows students to learn about careers in the medical field through a series of classes that meet requirements from the state of Nebraska, while also enabling them to explore various areas of health care.
Wendy Kallhoff, a registered nurse, is one of the leaders of the Health Science Pathway program. She has worked in several medical settings during her more than 20-year career.
“Being involved with the students in the Health Science Pathway program over the last two years has been a very rewarding experience for me,” said Kallhoff. “Watching each student grow in their passion for their future is very exciting. It has restored my confidence that the future will have great providers within our health care system.”
People are also reading…
The curriculum includes four different classes — an introduction to health care, a deeper look into health care, a dual-credit certified nursing assistant course and a capstone class that provides real-world job shadow experiences.
In 2023-24, more than 193 students at Columbus High School, nearly 38 at Lakeview High School and 59 students at Scotus Central Catholic were enrolled in the program. Participation is growing quickly, as nearly 245 students have participated in the program to date. Because of state requirements and the increase in student enrollment, organizers hired a second instructor for the 2023-24 school year. Since the inception of the program, it has successfully added 90 certified nursing assistants to the community and state.
“It has been such a great feeling to see the program grow, and to hear student testimonials as to how our Health Science Pathway program has enriched their education and helped them identify their interests,” said Tracy Long, an additional leader of the Health Science Pathway program. “Even more exciting is the thought that very soon, many of these students will be returning to our hospital and our community as health care providers.”
To learn more about the Health Science Pathway program and view the report, visit columbushosp.org.
