MedED program welcomes new class of Jefferson County students to WVU Medicine Jefferson Medical Center
Program gives students real-world view of community healthcare
RANSON, W.Va. – WVU Medicine is proud to welcome its fourth class of Jefferson County high school students as part of the MedED program, an immersive initiative designed to provide early, hands-on exposure to healthcare careers.
The MedED program is a two-year education and workforce development experience that introduces students to Jefferson Medical Center while allowing them to gain real-world insight into the healthcare environment. Offered in partnership with Jefferson County Schools and The Education Alliance, the program also serves as a direct pathway to future healthcare career opportunities following graduation.
At Friday’s signing ceremony, students from Jefferson and Washington high schools formally committed to the program. Surrounded by family, friends, and educators, these students signed participation agreements and received MedED certificates recognizing their acceptance into the program.
“The MedEd program is an intentional investment in students and in the future of health care in our region,” said Justin Ruble, vice president of human resources, WVU Hospitals East. “Hands-on learning gives students valuable insight into health care careers while strengthening our workforce for years to come.”
Throughout the program, students will split time between classroom-based health science instruction at their schools and experiential learning at Jefferson Medical Center. While on-site, students will have two pathway opportunities, lab technologist or medical assisting. They will work alongside healthcare professionals gaining exposure to the teamwork, skills, and compassion required in today’s healthcare settings.
"Developing programs that help not only our students gain employable skills, but skills that are in demand and that open real doors to sustainable careers, is a priority for Jefferson County Schools,” said Ian Hillman, deputy superintendent of instruction. “Partnering with WVU Medicine and The Education Alliance to offer this kind of hands-on, career-connected learning reflects our commitment to preparing students for life beyond the classroom."
"This is what collaboration looks like at its best," said Dr. Amelia Courts, President/CEO of The Education Alliance. "Schools and businesses are co-creating opportunities through MedEd that prepare students for high-wage, high-skill careers while strengthening our state's workforce."
The Jefferson County MedED program is one of the original MedEd programs in the country. The program is modeled after a successful manufacturing education initiative that originated at Toyota Motor Manufacturing and was locally adapted through collaboration among healthcare, education, and community partners.