Arizona high school program prepares students for medical careers

Introducing Puma Jed: The Unique School Training the Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals

As the healthcare industry faces a looming shortage of over 100,000 workers by 2028, innovative solutions are needed to address this critical issue. One such solution is Puma Jed, a unique program based in Tucson, Arizona, that immerses high school students in the world of healthcare, allowing them to gain real-world skills and certifications in areas such as medical assistant training, emergency medical technician (EMT) certification, and more.

A Personal Connection to Healthcare

For Parker, a student at Puma Jed, his connection to healthcare is deeply personal. His father, a travel nurse, tragically lost his life in a helicopter accident when Parker was just three years old. This experience has driven his passion for the healthcare field, and he sees Puma Jed as an opportunity to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Gaining Real-World Skills

Puma Jed’s program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the healthcare industry. Through hands-on training and access to state-of-the-art technology, students learn everything from drawing blood to administering medication. As Alex, a student at Puma Jed, demonstrates, even adults can be surprised by just how easy it is to take vital signs or draw blood.

The Exposure Factor

According to Cindy Rankin, a board member and associate professor at the University of Arizona, exposure is key to attracting new talent to the healthcare industry. "Most kids know what a doctor, nurse, and pharmacist is, but they don’t know about the whole team that makes up the healthcare system," she notes.

A Bright Future Ahead

Puma Jed’s students are not only gaining valuable skills and certifications but also building a sense of purpose and fulfillment. As Parker puts it, "I’m excited to learn about the impact I can have on people’s lives, just like my dad did."

The Future of Healthcare

As the industry continues to face a shortage of skilled professionals, programs like Puma Jed are crucial in ensuring a bright future for healthcare. With its unique blend of hands-on training, real-world experience, and certifications, Puma Jed is poised to make a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape. Stay tuned to see how this innovative program is shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Certifications and Training

Puma Jed’s students can choose from a range of certification and training programs, including:

• Medical Assistant Training
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification
• Healthcare Foundations
• Pharmacy Technician Training

With these certifications and skills, Puma Jed students are well-prepared to pursue their next steps in the healthcare industry, whether it’s directly entering the workforce or pursuing further education.