Forging Stronger Ties Between Hospital Systems and Education
The Healthcare Summit, held on June 28th at Folsom Lake College in partnership with Valley Vision and Choose Folsom, was a testament to the commitment of top leaders from Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health/CommonSpirit, Marshall Medical, Sutter Health, and UC Davis Health. This gathering marked a pivotal moment in enhancing the college’s healthcare programs, with a direct focus on addressing the critical needs outlined by local hospital systems. The collaboration of these prominent healthcare providers showcased a unified commitment to developing a strong talent pipeline, a key factor in meeting the growing labor demands of the healthcare industry. Notably, several of these hospitals are expanding into Folsom and beyond, underscoring the urgency of developing a skilled local healthcare workforce.
During the summit, each organization shared distinct insights and priorities, fostering a collaborative discussion to refine Folsom Lake College’s healthcare career technical programs. Kaiser Permanente emphasized the role of training students in the latest healthcare technologies, while Dignity Health unveiled plans to transition to a centralized electronic medical record (EMR) program, illustrating the need for students to be proficient in these systems. Marshall Medical and Sutter Health highlighted the importance of people-centered care and innovation, underlining the necessity for interpersonal skills and critical thinking in the healthcare workforce. UC Davis Health focuses on providing comprehensive support for students, including job shadowing and specialized programs to ensure they are well-prepared for the industry’s demands.
Most employers at the event, including Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, Sutter Health, UC Davis Health, and Raley’s, have been a part of the Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) Employer Collaborative. This collaborative, hosted by the Roseville Chamber of Commerce and utilizing the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s TPM methodology, focuses on aligning educational outcomes with industry needs to ensure the workforce is equipped with the skills necessary to meet current employer demands. By participating in the TPM Employer Collaborative, these healthcare organizations have demonstrated their dedication to educational providers to resolve challenges in talent acquisition.
Discussions at the summit centered on creating clear pathways for students from education to employment to equip graduates with the necessary skills and certifications to excel in their careers. By addressing certification gaps and aligning job descriptions with the academic curriculum, the hospital systems and Folsom Lake College aim to train a diverse pool of candidates and effectively meet the region’s healthcare needs. The summit also discussed the importance of mentorship programs, clinical placements, and early high-school-level investment to support student growth and professional development.
The collaboration between Folsom Lake College and the healthcare systems is a testimony to the power of partnership in driving educational excellence and workforce readiness. Through this joint effort, these institutions are elevating the quality of healthcare education and ensuring that the future workforce has the skills and competencies to readily meet the healthcare industry’s staffing needs.
Learn more about Valley Vision’s regional industry advisories by clicking here. You can also find information on our most recent Health and Life Sciences workforce advisory on Mental and Behavioral Health Careers by clicking here. Stay updated by watching the newsletter for upcoming advisory information or checking Valley Vision’s events page.
Liz Kilkenny is a Valley Vision Project Coordinator staffing the 21st Century Workforce Impact Area.
Hilary Tellesen is a Valley Vision Senior Project Manager leading the 21st Century Workforce Impact Area.