By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti is leaving the county later this month to go to McPherson College to become its executive director of Health Care Initiatives on August 14. Last fall, McPherson College announced the new academic program focused on creating health-related career pathways for students while engaging them in the community. McPherson College President Michael Schneider briefly explained the program's goal.
"Our program is market-driven," said McPherson College President Michael Schneider. "Very much a broad program that students can study health science or healthcare management, with emphasis in public health, behavioral health management, clinical health, so that they can go out and pursue multiple pathways to a career in health care."
Every student will participate in multiple field experiences or rotations, and McPherson Health Science Scholars will be matched with signature outreach being developed to solve issues in the community. Schneider says they already have a robust cohort of students coming in.
"I'm excited that we've got over 30 new Health Science majors coming in," Schneider said, we have eight Health Science Scholars."
Two outreach opportunities have been secured for the Health Care Scholars. They will get hands-on experience at McPherson County Health Department and Disability Supports of McPherson. Sophomores in the program will participate in orientation and introduction to health care professions at the McPherson Hospital, and an introductory class in health systems is offered for freshmen. Students interested will also have the ability to obtain CNA certification to supplement their degree with Hutchinson Community College, The Cedars, and Moundridge Manor. The long term goal is for the Health Care initiatives program to potentially be as big or bigger than the college's Auto Restoration program, which currently has between 150 and 160 students.