SALEM, MA — Salem High School has launched a new partnership with Mass General Brigham's Salem Hospital that gives students in the school's Career and Technical Education Medical Assisting program a chance to complete part of their required practicum hours in a healthcare setting.
The program began in May with students completing a two-week experience. School officials said the goal is to expand the program next school year.
The collaboration is designed to strengthen workforce development pathways for students while helping address demand for skilled healthcare professionals across the region.
Salem High students receive hands-on clinical exposure, workplace readiness skills and mentorship from healthcare professionals while serving the local community. The practicum allows students to apply classroom instruction in healthcare environments and build technical skills aligned with industry expectations.
Students also have opportunities to observe and participate in patient-centered care, healthcare operations, communication practices and clinical procedures under supervision.
"My experience at Mass General Brigham was hands-on and it has helped me gain a different perspective as to what direct patient care looks like," senior Myrene Ahmed said.
Ahmed, who will study pre-medicine at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences this fall, added: "Being a Medical Assisting student has fueled my passion for healthcare. With hands-on experience and training, I feel prepared for my future career. This pathway has been my greatest support, and I could not be more grateful for the opportunities it has provided me."
"This partnership is an incredible opportunity for our students," Mario Sousa, director of Career and Technical Education at Salem High School, said in the announcement. "Providing students with direct access to a respected healthcare institution like Salem Hospital allows them to connect classroom learning with meaningful, real-world experiences. It not only strengthens their technical skills, but also helps students envision themselves as future healthcare professionals serving their own community."
Roxanne Ruppel, president and COO of Salem Hospital, said the hospital and Mass General Brigham are committed to training future healthcare workers.
"Salem Hospital and Mass General Brigham are committed to teaching the next generation of healthcare professionals and are proud of this first cohort of Salem students," Ruppel said. "We strive to provide high-quality care close to home for our North Shore communities, and hands-on workforce development ensures we can continue this important work in the future."
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