Health Professions and Public Service partnerships pay community dividends

The Health Professions and Public Service Division at Waubonsee Community College is well known for its education of key servants to the public and private sector. These include law enforcement professionals, emergency medical technicians and paramedics, firefighters, and nurses.

Ask Dr. Michelle Evans, assistant dean for Health Professions and Public Service, why Waubonsee's training is exceptional, and one of the things she'll cite is having faculty members who are highly connected and active in their fields.

Such professional experience not only informs the college's curricula, it also provides a built-in network of contacts when graduates step out into the world seeking employment.

"The combination of our partnerships in the greater health professions and public service community and the high caliber of instruction from both full-time and adjunct faculty is key to our success in placing well-prepared students in their careers," said Dr. Evans.

As dean of Health Professions and Public Service, Dr. Jess Toussaint further emphasizes the contributions of community partners who provide opportunities for students to get real experience in their fields.

"It's because of our partnerships in the community with health care providers and professional services that we can provide both the educational foundation and employment experience that leads to better opportunities for our graduates," Dr. Toussaint said. And as Dr. Toussaint points out, these pros typically stay and work in the district upon graduation, which delivers a great return on taxpayers' investment.

"Our graduates are highly regarded because people know that they will be well-trained and prepared not only to do their jobs, but to promote leadership and teamwork within their professions," added Dr. Evans.

Headquartered at the Aurora Fox Valley Campus, Waubonsee's Health Professions and Public Service Division includes the following disciplines: criminal justice, emergency medical technician, fire science, health care interpreting, health information technology, human services, interpreter training, legal interpreting, medical assistant, certified nurse assistant, nursing, phlebotomy, sign language, surgical technology and therapeutic massage.

For information, visit www.waubonsee.edu/academics or call (630) 585-7900, ext. 3900.