Phoebe Putney and 4C Academy Sign CNA Program Partnership Agreement
April 8, 2021— Albany, GA— Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital (Phoebe) and The Commodore Conyers College and Career Acadey (4C Academy) held the formal signing of a unique partnership agreement that includes a new paid internship program for 4C Academy healthcare science students.
“There are growing nationwide shortages of nurses and other healthcare professionals, and the competition for those workers is only going to get more fierce. We cannot sit back and wait for qualified applicants to appear at our door. We must find innovative ways to get local students excited about careers in healthcare and show them there are great opportunities to thrive right here at home. We know this partnership will help us do that,” said Scott Steiner, Phoebe Putney Health System President and CEO.
Phoebe will make a $75,000 donation to the 4C Foundation each of the next two years to fund the internship and outreach programs. The two-year agreement includes internships for 20 students each year. They will work four hours a day for 16 weeks in various roles at Phoebe and will receive a stipend.
“Some people do not fully understand all that is available at Phoebe. We provide some of the most advanced care available anywhere, using leading equipment and breakthrough technology, and the Phoebe Simulation and Innovation Center is one of the best and most high-tech simulation labs in the southeast United States,” said Tracy Suber, EdD, MSN, Phoebe Assistant Vice President of Simulation Center and Nursing Education. “We want to show off those resources, expose students – at an early age – to various jobs available to them in this growing, vibrant and vital field, and nurture in them a desire to serve their community through a healthcare career,” Dr. Suber added.
“Our mission is to produce students with exceptional skills and work ethic who are ready to compete and succeed in the real world the day they graduate. We’re fortunate to have outstanding partners like Phoebe who are willing to give our students opportunities for hands-on learning that can truly transform their lives and give them a jumpstart on productive careers,” said Chris Hatcher, 4C Academy CEO.
Dougherty County School System Superintendent, Kenneth Dyer, echoed Mr. Hatcher. Mr. Dyer remarked, “We have a long standing partnership with Phoebe and we are excited to expand the pipeline for healthcare professionals in our area. There is a need and opportunity to help Phoebe, and we want to do our part to help develop students to meet our workforce needs.”
Event attendees included seven 4C healthcare science students in addition to 35 healthcare science students who attended via Zoom. Mr. Hatcher addressed the 4C students, “When opportunities present themselves, you have to take advantage of them. This is one of those opportunities. You have the opportunity while in high school to earn two certifications, to get a paid internship, and to have interactions with medical professionals at one of the Nation’s top hospitals. I want to encourage you to take advantage of this.”
Healthcare science student, Kennedy Luster spoke on behalf of her peers, “I am excited for this opportunity to help my community. I am excited because an internship with Phoebe will benefit me in the long run by giving me experience, which will put me a step ahead when I go to medical school.” Luster added she would like to return to her home community of Albany once she has completed her education.
4C Academy healthcare science instructor, Melissa Clark, RN, BSN, added, “This opportunity will provide a foundation for a successful career in any healthcare field. The internship experience will give students confidence in obtaining a higher degree in addition to the opportunity to observe and network with Phoebe professionals.”
As part of the agreement, 4C Academy will also establish an outreach program for nine area middle schools and seven area high schools to create awareness of careers in healthcare. The program will include meetings with parents to inform them of the opportunities and advantages of healthcare careers, as well as tours of Phoebe facilities for middle school students.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Chris Hatcher
CEO, Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy
Ph: 229-431-1562
Email: Chris.Hatcher@4CAcademy.org
Web: 4CAcademy.org
About 4C Academy:
The mission of the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy is to produce college and career ready graduates with relevant skills and education and exceptional work ethic who can compete and succeed in the real world. Our partners include local business and industry, the Dougherty County School System, Albany Technical College, Albany State University, the Albany/Dougherty Economic Development Commission, and the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. In addition, we have partnered with the Calhoun, Terrell and Baker County School Systems.