Healthcare is a growing industry in Central Texas and many young people here are interested in a healthcare career. They may not know exactly what they want to do, however. So, to help inspire the next generation of skilled healthcare workers, we joined the Central Texas Healthcare Partnership to host the first Respiratory Care Academy on Oct. 16 at Texas State University Round Rock.
Respiratory Care (RC) is an in-demand job, with very few higher-education programs available in the Central Texas region. For the first RC Academy, 34 students were accepted from 16 different high schools in Austin, Bastrop, Del Valle, Georgetown, Hutto, Leander and Manor ISDs, in addition to KIPP.
Students had the opportunity to learn more about the career, hear from current Texas State University RC students, and engage in hands-on experiences like basic airway management, bag-mask ventilation, oxygen delivery, neonatal resuscitation, and more.
The Central Texas Healthcare Partnership was founded in early 2018 under the leadership of three Central Texas healthcare industry leaders: Baylor Scott & White Health, Ascension Seton, and St. David’s HealthCare. The Partnership’s mission is to sustain and grow the Central Texas healthcare industry while expanding pathways to good jobs for local residents. WFS Capital Area provides staff support to assist with the coordination of the partnership.
WFS Capital Area participates in multiple industry sector partnerships. These are a proven and employer-led workforce development strategy. With employers leading the conversation, companies across the U.S. have seen positive impacts on company growth and retention. Industry-specific executives within the Austin labor market work together to influence alignment around common solutions with awareness, training, hiring, and upskilling. Learn more about our industry sector partnerships.