BRIMLEY— In an effort to address the needs of local healthcare facilities, Bay Mills
Community College has partnered
with MyMichigan Medical Center Sault, Lake Superior State University and Sault Area
High School and Career Center,
establishing a program that aims to bridge the gap between education and employment,
providing various pathways for
individuals at different stages of their healthcare journey. On Sept. 17, officials
gathered to sign and officially launch the
Healthcare Pathways Consortium. Representatives signing included Duane Bedell, president
of BMCC, Kevin Kalchik,
president of MyMichigan Medical Center Sault; Dr. David Travis, president of LSSU;
Jeanine Sherman, principal of
SAHCC.
The Healthcare Pathways Consortium is an innovative initiative program designed to
meet the needs of our rural
healthcare community. The goal is to streamline the educational pathway ensuring a
seamless progression for students
as they make their way into the healthcare workforce.
“It was amazing to see how a conversation that took place 16 months ago developed
into an excellent partnership that
will help build the healthcare workforce,” said Bedell. “What started as a brief discussion
to learn how we can work
together to develop the healthcare workforce, all of the leaders in the room stepped
aside to allow the experts to do what
they do best, cultivating a robust program that all partners support. Team members
from all organizations worked
feverishly to build this critical pathway while creating opportunities for those who
are passionate about health care. I am
looking forward to seeing how we can continue this work together.”
Key features of the program include collaborating with educational institutions to
offer a wide range of programs,
guaranteeing accessibility for individuals with diverse levels of prior education
and experience. Students will learn
practical skills enhancement through first-hand training opportunities such as internships,
clinicals, apprenticeships, and
simulation exercises.
“After graduation, the program's hope is that students will stay or return to the
area to care for members of their own
communities,” said Carrie Perez, director of nursing at BMCC.
This collaboration will ultimately provide individualized career guidance and mentorship
to aid participants in effectively
navigating their journey in rural healthcare.
“This Healthcare Pathways Consortium is more than just an agreement—it's a commitment
to the future of our
community. By aligning educational resources across institutions, we’re providing
students with a direct line to fulfilling
and impactful careers in healthcare," said Dr. Kathy Berchem, dean of the College
of Health and Emergency Responders
at LSSU. "It’s a win-win for students, educators, and the healthcare sector, and I’m
thrilled to see the positive changes this
will bring to the region.”
For any questions or interest in discussing opportunities with the Healthcare Pathways
Consortium, please
contact [email protected].
Bay Mills Community College is committed to providing affordable, culturally relevant,
accessible, and high quality
educational opportunities to all. BMCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
and is committed to providing
leadership in the areas of economic and community development for the Bay Mills Indian
Community and the Eastern
Upper Peninsula. BMCC is located on the southeastern shore of Lake Superior within
the Bay Mills Indian
Community approximately 17 miles west of Sault Ste. Marie in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
To learn more visit
www.bmcc.edu.