Submitted by Whatcom Community College
Whatcom Community College (WCC) was awarded $583,865 in a state grant to expand instructional programs to prepare students for emerging careers in the healthcare industry. The Hospital Employee Education and Training (HEET) Innovation grant is funded through the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. The project — North to South Consortium Improving Pathways to Healthcare Careers — is a collaboration of other colleges and workforce partners led by Whatcom Community College.
Partners include Edmonds Community College, Highline College, Seattle Central College, Clark College, and Yakima Valley Community College; regional workforce development councils; Group Health; Sea-Mar; Compass Health; Washington Dental Service Foundation; and SEIU Healthcare 1199NW Multi-Employer Training and Education Fund.
The project creates credit-based courses to prepare students for work in a broad spectrum of patient care positions, including patient navigator, care coordinator and medical assistant. Patient navigators and care coordinators are advocates who help patients and their families access the complex healthcare system to improve their care experience. Healthcare professionals will participate in the project to ensure courses meet industry standards and help care providers comply with the Affordable Care Act. Whatcom and the Northwest Workforce Council will collaborate to engage members of the local healthcare industry.
This HEET grant builds on previous years of HEET funding received by Whatcom. Work will include implementing courses developed in prior years and adding oral health components. The project will also create two new courses that address aging populations and behavioral health — topics that are critical as America’s population ages and awareness of behavioral health issues increases. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, up to 30 percent of the estimated 38 million Americans eligible for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act may have behavioral health issues, including mental illness or substance use disorders. Behavioral health often impacts overall physical health. As a result, employers need more healthcare workers with expertise in behavioral health.
“Whatcom is excited to lead this important work with our workforce, healthcare and education partners. The HEET project is vital in preparing the growing range of healthcare employees needed to serve patients throughout the Northwest,” says WCC President Kathi Hiyane-Brown. “This project is a demonstration of Whatcom Community College’s commitment to developing a strong, vibrant and relevant workforce that meets the needs of our growing and diverse communities.”
