Rhegan Fischer’s after-school job is probably very different from that of most 16-year-olds. Instead of flipping burgers or waiting tables, she’s helping long-term care patients with their daily activities at Windsor Place of Iola.
Fischer took advantage of a new allied health program at the Regional Rural Technical Center in LaHarpe to earn her CNA certificate last fall. She hopes to eventually become a nurse.
Fischer is part of a growing trend in those interested in pursuing careers in health care, likely spurred by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Brian Inbody, president of Neosho Community College, says the demand for higher education is down overall since the pandemic began. Interest in health careers, however, remains high.
“It’s a seller’s market right now for those interested in health care,” Inbody said.
Indeed, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says healthcare jobs are projected to grow 15% from 2019 to 2029. That growth is attributed to a proportionately larger aging population and a greater demand for healthcare services.
RRTC added the allied health program last year after IHS students for years listed healthcare as their top profession, said Melissa Stiffler, career and technical education coordinator for Iola High School.
“There are so many possibilities for what they can do in healthcare,” Stiffler said. “Plus, the pay is good.”
The tech center partners with NCCC in providing the curriculum and staff.
The initial class quickly filled to its maximum of 20 students, and all but one passed. About half, including Fischer, obtained jobs working as a CNA. Two students came from Marmaton Valley High School; the rest were from Iola.
Stiffler expects next year’s class will also see high demand. She would like to see enough interest that it can expand.
Allen Community College is also partnering with RRTC to bring an anatomy & physiology course next year, using a teacher from IHS to teach the class.
“We just started signing kids up and have had seven right off the bat,” Stiffler said in March.
Stiffler said the COVID-19 pandemic has increased interest in the healthcare classes.
“It’s really opened the eyes of these teenagers. They see there’s a whole world out there, and I can make a difference. I can do something for others,” she said. “They’re becoming more servant-oriented, and maybe thinking about what’s important and what’s not.”
KAREN Gillespie, human resources director for Saint Luke’s hospitals in Allen and Anderson counties, said she’s seen a significant increase in health careers since the pandemic began about a year ago, though at the height of the pandemic there was a lull in hiring because people were staying home.
