Heart City Health Expands Work-Based Learning Opportunities for Local Students
Heart City Health (HCH) is proud to invest in the next generation of healthcare professionals through its growing Work-Based Learning (WBL) program. By partnering with local schools, HCH provides students with hands-on experience in real-world healthcare environments while fostering professional growth, confidence, and career readiness.
Building Future Leaders
The program immerses students in multiple areas of healthcare, from front desk operations and medical records to nursing, behavioral health, women’s health, and specialized departments such as pharmacy, lab, and health IT. This rotation approach ensures students gain a well-rounded understanding of the diverse opportunities within the healthcare field.
Through mentorship, coaching, and day-to-day experience, students develop:
- Workplace readiness: punctuality, professionalism, responsibility
- Skill development: communication, compliance, and technical knowledge
- Career exposure: insight into both clinical and non-clinical healthcare roles
- Personal growth: confidence, courage, and a strong foundation for lifelong learning
A Win-Win for Schools and Community
Heart City Health’s WBL program benefits not only students. It strengthens the entire community. Schools gain a trusted partner who provides structured internship frameworks, evaluations, and regular communication with administrators. At the same time, the healthcare system builds a pipeline of future professionals who are trained, mentored, and invested in their community.
“The insights, talent, and dedication that students bring are invaluable,” said Kelsey Jackson of Heart City Health. “Not only do they grow from the experience, but they also help us live out our mission of providing high-quality, patient-centered care to all.”
Looking Ahead
While HCH’s current partnerships have already made a positive impact, the organization is eager to expand, offering more students from additional schools the chance to participate. The long-term vision is to create a sustainable program that prepares young people for higher education, career opportunities, and community leadership, while helping address the growing need for healthcare professionals.
Currently, Heart City Health is working with five Northridge High School students as part of the WBL program. Their success and contributions highlight the potential for expanding this opportunity to even more students in the future.
“This is more than just an internship rotation. It is transformational for everyone involved,” said Ken Domalewski of Heart City Health. “We are building lasting partnerships that will leave a ripple effect across our community.”
About Heart City Health
As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and Community Health Center (CHC), Heart City Health is committed to providing accessible, affordable, and patient-centered care to all. The Work-Based Learning program is another example of HCH’s dedication to creating healthier futures, both inside and outside the exam room.
Pictured right to left: Kelsey Jackson (HCH Director of Quality), Paul Johnson (NRHS Economics), Nolan Swords (Intern), Kaylin Hartman (NRHS Work-Based Learning Coordinator), Kenneth Domalewski (HCH Executive Project Manager)
Pictured right to left: Abbie High (NRHS Student), Ali Irwin (NRHS Student), Zurisadai De La Rosa (NRHS Student), Kaydince Zook (NRHS Student)