Southwest Texas College and San Antonio College Join Forces to Upskill Future Healthcare Workers

Uvalde, TX, October 29, 2024 - The healthcare industry faces a growing workforce shortage nationwide, with nursing alone projected to see a six percent increase in job opportunities by 2030 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). To address this critical need, San Antonio College (SAC) and Southwest Texas College (SWTX) have joined forces through the Strengthening Technical Excellence for Professional Upskill Programs in Healthcare (STEP UP in Healthcare) initiative.

This collaborative effort aims to increase the number of qualified healthcare professionals, particularly in underserved rural areas. The program focuses on providing micro-credentials and traditional credentials in various healthcare fields, allowing students to upskill their knowledge and competencies for high-demand occupations.

Southwest Texas College's Contribution

SWTX focuses on equipping students with essential medical credentials in six key areas:

Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification
Nurse Aide Certification
Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician Credential
Phlebotomy Technician Credential
Medical Assisting (MA) Certification
Patient Care Technician (PCT) Credential
The program recognizes the scarcity of pediatric clinical sites in rural communities. To address this, funding allows SWTX to invest in simulation training equipment for caring for pediatric patients.

San Antonio College's Role

SAC brings its expertise in medical training programs to the table. They will offer ten micro-badge credentials in crucial areas like Healthcare Teamwork, Critical Thinking, Cultural Competence, and Professionalism. These stackable credentials provide students with focused learning opportunities to

Benefits for Students

The STEP UP in Healthcare partnership offers numerous advantages for students:

• Access to a wider range of healthcare training programs
• Upskilling opportunities to meet industry demands
• Preparation for high-wage healthcare careers
• Faster completion of short-term training programs
• Exposure to relevant workforce education
• Pathways to advance their careers in nursing (LVN, RN, BSN)
• Support for first-generation college students
• Celebration of the Partnership

To celebrate this vital collaboration, SWTX and SAC hosted an Allied Health Consortium Celebration on Oct. 28, at the SWTX Uvalde Campus. The event provided an opportunity for students to learn more about the program, ask questions about the BSN transfer pathway, and tour the college's simulation lab. VIDEO

This collaborative effort between San Antonio and Southwest Texas Colleges is a promising step towards addressing the healthcare workforce shortage and providing students, particularly those in underserved areas, with the skills and training they need to succeed in rewarding healthcare careers.