For more than 20 years, St. Joseph’s Health in Paterson, N.J, has opened its doors to students from Passaic County Technical-Vocational Schools (PCTVS) for job shadowing. Hospital personnel have also visited the school as guest speakers and offered time and insight as members of program advisory boards. PCTVS recently designated St. Joseph’s Health its 2024 Business Partner of the Year in recognition of such efforts to engage and help prepare students for a range of careers in a hospital system.
The partnership benefits students in PCTVS Health Occupations, Criminal Justice and Biomedical programs. St. Joseph’s arranges opportunities for these students to shadow hospital professionals in their areas of study. This year, St. Joseph’s is taking small groups of students to shadow professionals in various departments at the hospital including radiology, nutrition, patient intake, emergency room, nursing stations and more. The Criminal Justice students shadow security and emergency drill staff.
Over the summer, students in the Health Occupations program had the opportunity to work as interns in different departments at St. Joseph’s Health’s Paterson facility, learning specific duties and responsibilities. Students built upon the knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom and gained invaluable experience to guide them in their career journeys.
“We are pleased to collaborate and support a mutual partnership with PCTVS, recognizing the unique value that students have brought to St. Joseph’s Health as interns,” said Charlotte Branch, director of talent acquisition with St. Joseph’s Health.
Professionals from St. Joseph’s Health also participate in advisory meetings and forums at PCTVS to share insight about career areas and the skills needed to succeed in them as well as to identify additional ways for the hospital to support students’ learning.
“PCTVS takes great pride in working with a large organization such as St. Joseph’s Health to help our students develop informed career pathways,” said John Maiello, superintendent at PCTVS. “Our school community is extremely grateful for the time and efforts shared by St. Joseph’s personnel. This partnership illustrates the mutual dedication needed to provide our students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for meaningful careers in their chosen fields.”
