Lake Superior State University partners with Upper Peninsula organizations to establish Healthcare Pathways Consortium

Lake Superior State University has partnered with several Upper Peninsula organizations to form the Healthcare Pathways Consortium, a partnership that will work to expand and enhance the opportunities available to students who are pursuing healthcare education and careers in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

According to an article on Lake Superior State University’s website, members from the involved organizations came together on September 17 to sign the official consortium agreement. Dr. David Travis, the president of Lake Superior State University, was present at the event and was quoted as saying, “This Consortium is an exciting opportunity to reshape healthcare education in our region. By working together, we’re creating pathways that empower students to explore and excel in healthcare careers. Our collective efforts will not only prepare individuals for meaningful roles but also help build a healthier community for everyone.”

The Healthcare Pathways Consortium is a partnership between Lake Superior State University, MyMichigan Sault, Bay Mills Community College, and Sault Area High School. The consortium will solidify the pathways with which local students can pursue their healthcare aspirations without needing to leave the eastern Upper Peninsula, as the area is experiencing a high demand for healthcare providers and professionals.

At the beginning of a student’s pathway, high schoolers at Sault Area High School are introduced to health science classes that might spark their interest in pursuing a healthcare career. Bay Mills Community College currently provides CNA training, and in the future will begin to provide LPN training. Lake Superior State University offers a bachelor of science degree in nursing and in several pre-med programs. MyMichigan Sault, the area’s hospital, provides clinical training and is a job placement site for healthcare students. These institutions have all come together via the Healthcare Pathways Consortium to improve the type of training, education, and services it can provide to the area’s upcoming generation of healthcare professionals.

With the establishment of the consortium, it allows for a streamlined pathway that will take students from initial interest to education to career in the rural Upper Peninsula. The institutions involved will come together to establish mentorships, hands-on experiences, and simple stepping stones that will guide them through their education.

Dr. Kathy Berchem, the Dean of the College of Health & Emergency Responders at Lake Superior State University, said of the partnership, “This Consortium is a game-changer for healthcare education and employment in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. By creating clear educational pathways from high school through to higher education and into professional practice, we are ensuring that students not only succeed academically but also make meaningful contributions to the healthcare field.”

For more information about Lake Superior State University, visit the school’s website.