Adventist Health Launches Workforce Program for Future Healthcare Leaders

Adventist Health has announced the opening of applications for its new workforce development program named “LAUNCH,” designed to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals. This initiative, which stands for “Learning and Understanding New Careers in Healthcare,” aims to provide students with valuable insights into various career paths within the medical field.

Kiyoshi Tomono, Partnership and Marketing Executive for Adventist Health Central California Network, emphasized the program’s goal of cultivating local talent. “We believe that we can spark that interest, spark that passion, that energy in a student,” he stated. The initiative seeks to attract young individuals who may consider a career in healthcare beyond just traditional clinical roles.

The LAUNCH program will welcome participants aged 16 and older, offering them the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning, mentorship, and professional development experiences. This encompasses not only in-hospital settings but also outpatient environments, providing a comprehensive view of the healthcare landscape. “It would be great for all of us if that student knows what they’re getting into and is passionate about it,” Tomono added.

Program Details and Expansion Plans

The inaugural cohorts of the LAUNCH program are set to begin in February 2024 at Adventist Health Bakersfield and Adventist Health Hanford. Over time, the program is expected to expand to six additional hospitals across Central California and various Adventist Health medical offices.

The structure of the program is divided into three tiers, tailored to participants’ experience levels and career aspirations. Tomono highlighted that this approach is intended to give participants a clearer understanding of what to expect in various healthcare roles. Additionally, the program aims to address ongoing staffing shortages in the healthcare sector. “We’d love to see and kind of teach to the book, the kind of people that we want in these roles and be able to hire at the end of it too,” he noted.

Applications for the first round of the LAUNCH program are currently open and will close on January 4, 2024. High school students, college students, and individuals exploring new healthcare career opportunities are encouraged to apply. For more information on the application process, interested candidates can visit Adventist Health’s official site.

The LAUNCH program represents a significant step towards fostering a pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals, ensuring that the next generation is well-prepared to meet the demands of the evolving medical landscape.