Beginning this summer, Tarrant County high school students can participate in JPS Health Network’s Students in Healthcare for Individual Empowerment (SHINE) Program to gain real-world experience working in healthcare settings and get a head start on cultivating the skills and experience necessary for a healthcare career.
The SHINE Program is an eight-week paid summer internship at JPS providing 30 students, ages 16-18, with hands-on experience in healthcare. With a projected shortage of 3.2 million healthcare workers nationwide by 2026, JPS Health Network recognizes the urgency of fostering and inspiring young talent and equipping students with needed skills and background to have a meaningful and rewarding career in healthcare.
“As a teaching hospital, JPS plays a vital role in training the healthcare workforce of tomorrow,” said Maureen Milligan, PhD, THOT president and CEO. “By offering high school students immersive experiences and professional certifications, the SHINE Program is another component of a comprehensive healthcare workforce education and training system.”
SHINE participants will select between clinical and non-clinical tracks, allowing them to explore various aspects of healthcare based on their interests. Upon completion, students can earn certifications in key medical roles, including:
- Patient Care Technician
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician
- Phlebotomist
- Health Information Management (HIM) Operations
- Patient Experience Interpreter
These certifications provide students with direct pathways to enter the healthcare field post-high school, equipping them with valuable skills for meaningful healthcare employment.
“With the growing demand in the healthcare industry, JPS is dedicated to equipping individuals with the necessary tools to care for our community effectively. This program is a testament to our commitment to strengthening our healthcare workforce, ensuring a healthier future for everyone, said Tricia Elliott, M.D., senior vice president, Academic and Research Affairs, JPS Health Network.
