Tech Center Students Explore Health Care Careers Through Trinity Health Workshops
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (February 28, 2025) – On Monday, February 24, Kent Career Tech Center students participated in health profession workshops organized by Trinity Health Grand Rapids’ Workforce Development and Nursing Education and Kent ISD Workforce Development teams. Nearly 600 students took part in this collaborative effort, gaining insights into potential careers in health care. These workshops are part of the High School to Health Care initiative at Trinity Health Grand Rapids, which aims to enhance the health profession talent pipeline.
“Our team is excited to partner with students and support their exploration of health care careers,” said Gina Gent, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, NE-BC, director of Nursing Practice and Development for Trinity Health Grand Rapids. “There are numerous career options for students to consider, and we aim to provide them with the information and resources needed to discover their passions.”
“We’re genuinely excited to partner with Trinity Health to give our students firsthand insight into the health care field, learn about diverse career paths, and connect with professionals who can discuss action steps toward a successful future,” said Ryan Graham, Director of Workforce Development for Kent ISD. “By bringing industry partners to students on site, we’re providing a space for them to explore potential career pathways and make educated decisions to pursue their career dreams.”
While health care worker shortages are a challenge for communities across the country, the Bureau of Health Workforce has reported that significant shortages in health professions are projected to persist into the 2030s. The demand extends beyond doctors and nurses; there is also a critical need for respiratory therapists, pharmacists, physical therapists, psychiatrists, and more.
The High School to Health Care initiative strengthens recruitment pathways between Trinity Health and high school students in West Michigan. As the demand for talent in the health care sector grows, the initiative engages students through on-site externships, job shadowing, career coaching, and additional opportunities.
Each student participated in three workshops of their choice led by nurse leaders, professional development specialists, and career representatives from Trinity Health Grand Rapids. The workshops featured 12 different stations to explore, including:
- Neurosciences
- Surgical Services
- Cardiovascular & Transplants
- Emergency, Trauma & ICU
- Maternal & Child Care
- Behavioral Health
- Respiratory Therapy
- Pharmacy
- Orthopedics & Physical Therapy
- Oncology & Bariatrics
- Diagnostics & Ultrasound
- Ambulatory Care
Entry-level job opportunities are available for students aged 16 and older at Trinity Health hospitals in Grand Rapids and Muskegon, specifically in the Food and Nutrition Services (FANS) and Environmental Services (EVS) departments. Trinity Health also offers externships for medical assistants, patient care assistants, and phlebotomists. In June 2024, 13 KCTC students were accepted into the Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Development Program.
“Investing in the future of health care starts with empowering students today. Through our partnership with Kent Career Tech Center, we provide high school students with hands-on exposure to diverse health care careers and a direct pathway to employment — bridging passion with opportunity and shaping the next generation of health care professionals,” said Shanelle Shelby, director of Workforce Development for Trinity Health Michigan
To learn more about educational opportunities, visit www.thetechcenter.org/.
