SEMO, Saint Francis Healthcare System announce partnership to expand education opportunities
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Southeast Missouri State University and Saint Francis Healthcare System have announced a new partnership aimed at making higher education more affordable for health care employees and their families while strengthening the region’s workforce.
The organizations formally established the Pinnacle Corporate Partnership during a signing ceremony Friday, Oct. 23, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.
The partnership will provide reduced tuition benefits to Saint Francis employees pursuing higher education, including those seeking to complete degrees or advance their careers in nursing, medical imaging and other allied health fields.
Saint Francis President and CEO Justin Davison said the partnership will help create more affordable educational opportunities while addressing the region’s health care workforce needs.
“The Pinnacle Corporate Partnership reflects the kind of relationship Saint Francis is building with regional partners,” Davison said. “Together with Southeast Missouri State University, we can strengthen the regional workforce and also create more affordable pathways to higher and allied health education for Saint Francis colleagues.”
Officials said the initiative is designed to help current employees develop skills for high-demand positions while supporting efforts to retain health care professionals in southeast Missouri.
SEMO President Brad Hodson said the agreement builds on an existing relationship between the university and Saint Francis.
“Saint Francis Healthcare System has been an important partner in preparing health care professionals for our region and providing critical hands-on experience for our students,” Hodson said.
Previous collaborations include SEMO’s Bachelor of Applied Science in allied health, which provides an educational pathway for professionals working in medical imaging and related fields.
SEMO’s corporate partnership program also offers participating organizations access to workforce training, professional meeting spaces and opportunities to connect with students through internships, cooperative education programs and full-time employment.
Officials said the partnership is intended to strengthen the local health care workforce and improve access to medical services throughout southeast Missouri.
More information about career opportunities at Saint Francis Healthcare System is available at sfmc.net/careers.
