Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS) proudly recognizes Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Toms River as its 2025 Business Partner of the Year. The partnership between OCVTS and Encompass Health exemplifies the value of career and technical education by connecting classroom instruction with real-world, hands-on experiences that prepare students for success in healthcare and beyond.
Encompass Health has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to supporting OCVTS students’ education and career development through a variety of collaborative programs. What began as a partnership solely with the LPN program has grown into a multi-faceted relationship supporting five programs across the district.
The hospital has long served as a clinical site for students in the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), providing essential exposure to professional healthcare environments, and will soon serve as a clinical site for the Pre-Nursing program as well. In addition, Encompass Health partners with the Health and Fitness program to offer cooperative education opportunities in physical therapy and extends valuable job shadowing experiences to students in the Retail Store Operations program. The hospital’s partnership also reaches into the Culinary program, where it has hired graduates, further demonstrating its investment in student success.
One Health and Fitness student, who participated in cooperative education as a physical therapy aide, was also hired by Encompass Health. That student has the benefit of working while pursuing a college degree — a reflection of the lasting impact of this collaboration.
“On behalf of the Ocean County Vocational Technical School, we would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Human Resources Director Lori Munyan and the team at Encompass Health and Rehabilitation Hospital of Toms River for their exceptional partnership and continued support in bridging the connection between Encompass Health and our students and alumni,” said Vice Principal Jenna Rosenfeld. “Lori exemplifies innovation and collaboration, consistently thinking outside the box to create meaningful and sustainable opportunities for engagement. Her professionalism, warmth and genuine commitment to our students and staff are evident in all that she does.”
Encompass Health’s dedication to fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture has been key in growing participation among students. The hospital’s welcoming environment and comprehensive onboarding process is the first step toward ensuring students in all participating career programs thrive in a real-world learning environment.
“Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Toms River is honored to be recognized as OCVTS’ Business Partner of the Year,” said Munyan. “What began many years ago with the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program has blossomed into an expansive relationship that now includes the Pre-Nursing program, Health and Fitness Technology, Culinary and the Retail Store Operations/Marketing programs. Partnering with OCVTS has allowed us to enhance the technical skills students develop in the classroom while helping them build the critical soft skills necessary for successful and meaningful careers in a professional healthcare setting.”
OCVTS extends its gratitude to Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Toms River for its ongoing partnership, generosity and commitment to providing students with pathways toward personal and professional growth.
