Newsworthy
We Support Our Community’s Future Healthcare Professionals
Helping the next generation of healthcare professionals is important for a healthy future. Stormont Vail Health has partnered with the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers (TCALC) to offer several health sciences pathways to support this mission. These programs combine different fields of study, allowing students to learn about various areas within healthcare. including:
Since the program began in 2022, more than 179 local high school students have earned valuable certifications in various fields. Additionally, 35 students have joined Stormont Vail, benefiting from paid internships, job opportunities, and scholarships that support their career growth. We invite you to take a moment to learn how this program helped three former students achieve successful careers.
Anaya Bradley
Rehab Tech, Cotton O’Neil Kanza Park
Sports Medicine Pathway
Aaliyah Smith
Medical Assistant, Cotton O’Neil Dermatology
Phlebotomy Pathway
Maribel Talamantes
PCT, Stormont Vail Total Joint Center
CNA Pathway
Which TCALC pathway did you take? How did it help you get a job at Stormont Vail?
Anaya: At TCALC, I took the Sports Medicine pathway. While taking classes, my teacher, Megan Tetuan, told me that there was an opportunity to get an internship at Stormont Vail. She was tremendously helpful throughout the process! The sports medicine pathway prepared me for the interview and provided background knowledge about the medical field to help me better prepare for the internship.
Aaliyah: While I attended TCALC, I went through three pathways. I first started my junior year in the Biomedical pathway. While participating in that class, I was a TCALC healthcare student intern. In my senior year, I started in Biomedical in the morning and Stormont Vail’s CNA course in the afternoon. In May, LeAnn Edington reached out to me, suggesting I sign up for the phlebotomy course Stormont Vail also hosted during the summer.
Maribel: I chose to take the CNA course, which helped me get the certification I needed to apply at Stormont Vail as a PCT.
What are your future career goals? How did Stormont Vail and TCALC help shape them?
Anaya: I plan to get my physical therapy assistant certification at Washburn University and then continue to the University of Kansas for my physical therapy degree. TCALC gave me the essential knowledge I needed to thrive in healthcare, and Stormont Vail helped me explore different careers, which made me realize I wanted to go into physical therapy. During my internship, I loved working at Kanza Outpatient Therapy. I was lucky enough to land a part-time job as a rehab tech. The PTs and PTAs were super helpful and guided me through the whole process.
Aaliyah: Since the end of middle school, I have had a clear vision for my future career: I want to become an obstetrician and gynecologist. My time as a healthcare intern at Stormont Vail deepened my passion for women’s health, especially during one of my rotations when I visited the hospital where I was born. I had the incredible opportunity to meet many patients who welcomed me into their childbirth experiences. Their trust and support made me even more determined to pursue my dream job in this field. Overall, my experience at Stormont Vail has been a strong motivator for me to continue on this path.
Maribel: I’m still figuring things out, but working at Stormont Vail has opened my eyes to many new experiences. I’ve learned about the various career options available in healthcare. I appreciate the support I’ve received from TCALC—I might not be in this position without them.
What did you enjoy most about your internship at Stormont Vail?
Anaya: One of the best parts of my internship was the people I had the chance to meet. I connected with individuals from various professions, and it was fascinating to see how each person plays a role in helping the hospital and clinics run smoothly. The staff at Kanza were incredibly welcoming, and I’m grateful to have met such amazing people. I also enjoyed speaking with patients, hearing their stories, and learning how Stormont Vail supports them in their care.
Aaliyah: One of the best things about beginning my journey as a healthcare student intern was realizing how it shaped my career choices. If I hadn’t taken that opportunity, I probably wouldn’t have decided to become a CNA or take my first phlebotomy class.
Maribel: I couldn’t get an internship at Stormont Vail through my TCALC program. However, I received a reference from my TCALC teacher, for which I’m very thankful. It really helped make the application and interview process much easier.
Are you currently enrolled in a college program?
Anaya: I am a freshman at Washburn University and plan to apply to the PTA program in the fall of 2025.
Aaliyah: I’m currently a sophomore at Washburn University, but I have enough credits to be considered a junior. I’m majoring in pre-medicine and double minoring in leadership and Spanish.
Maribel: Yes, I am. I will attend Washburn University this fall. My current plan is to major in business management.
Stormont Vail Supports Students’ Pathways to Success
Stormont Vail and TCALC offer programs designed to help young adults explore various careers in healthcare. These initiatives aim to open doors for students, introducing them to job possibilities they may not have considered before. After graduation, students can gain valuable hands-on experience through internships or positions at Stormont Vail, addressing the community’s continuous need for healthcare professionals.
Click here to learn more about TCALC pathways, or contact Morgan Ray, Career Counselor/Talent Acquisition Partner, at (785) 354-5288 or [email protected].[1]
