Local job market bursting with health careers
Broad array of choices for students to pursue

A serious shortage of qualified healthcare workers in key areas – nursing, laboratory, pharmacy, radiography and respiratory therapy – is producing tremendous job opportunities for those seeking high-paying jobs in their own backyard.

The Maryland Hospital Association projects an 8 percent shortage of registered nurses in 2005. That figure is expected to climb to 17 percent in 2010, if nothing is done to reverse the trend. Vacancies in other areas range from 10 percent in pharmacy to 21 percent in radiography.

Calvert Memorial Hospital is leading the local effort to encourage more young people to choose health care as a career. They have joined with local educators, area employers, county government, community agencies and other healthcare organizations to tackle this issue.

The hospital’s partners say this campaign is vital to workforce development and the quality of life in Calvert County. “If we don’t do something now,” said Carrie Forrest, vice president for human resources at CMH, “we’re doing a disservice to the community and our patients.”

“Awareness is the major thrust for the first year,” said Forrest. “We want to get the word out.” The partnership also hopes to persuade more adults to consider health care as a second career. Another focus is recruitment and retention.

The healthcare industry is especially attractive to career changers and returning students, said Linda Vassalo, director, Calvert County Department of Economic Development, “because they tend to pay higher wages and provide good employment opportunities.”

“Healthcare careers jobs offer many advantages,” said Forrest, “including competitive salaries, generous benefits, flexibility, continued growth and advancement.” In fact, she said, the campaign’s theme is: “Health care … a career for a lifetime.”

She encourages students who are interested in learning more about health care to sign up for job shadowing or volunteering. Job shadowing allows students 16 and older to spend time with an experienced healthcare professional in their chosen field of interest. For more information, call 410-414-4513.

Volunteering is another way students can find out more about their options. “Often their volunteer experience helps them decide on a major,” said Kasia Drozynski, director of public relations and marketing at CMH. “It’s also a good way for them to gain valuable experience.”

 To volunteer, students must be 16 and older, complete an orientation program and commit to four hours per week. For more information, call 410-535-8373.

CMH also offers scholarships to allied health students in Calvert, Anne Arundel, Charles and St. Mary’s counties. In August, the hospital awarded 14 scholarships totaling $23,000. Since the scholarship program began in 1991, the hospital has given 128 scholarships totaling $175,900 to area students. To apply, call 410-414-4664.