Title
Agreement with Heritage College of Wichita to allow student placement for the purpose of experiential learning in a public health environment.
Body
Recommended Action: Approve the agreement and authorize the Chairman to sign the agreement and any related documents.
Background:
Historically, the Health Department has engaged in contractual agreements to provide student placement sites for undergraduate students from the local Universities and Colleges for the purpose of clinical learning. As such, the proposed agreement has been designed to provide a similar learning environment for public health and Community Health undergraduate students interested in completing internships that advance their development as public health professionals.
Adequate supply of public health workforce is an on-going issue nationally. We can assist in enhancing this supply locally while expanding our academic/public health partnership by providing educational and training experiences for these professional students. Through these agreements we provide field experience for undergraduate public health and community health students, gain insight and collaboration with their faculty, and benefit from energetic contributions of the students within our programs. We strive to provide the optimal learning experience for the students.
Analysis:
By continuing this partnership with Heritage College of Wichita, we are encouraging an interest in public health and providing a source of future healthcare professionals for the Health Department and the community. This partnership agreement with Heritage College of Wichita will be effective for the period beginning February 1, 2013 and will remain in effect unless cancelled by either party upon at least thirty days written notice.
Alternatives: To not enter into this academic partnership and potentially limit the opportunity to hire future qualified applicants seeking employment in the community upon graduation.
Financial Considerations:
The Heritage College of Wichita requires each student in the Medical Assistant Program to maintain professional liability insurance for patient-care-related practicums. This agreement involves no cost to Sedgwick County.
Legal Considerations: Authority to enter into the Affiliation Agreement is provided by K.S.A. 19-101. Approval is by simple majority vote.