Hartford HealthCare, Quinnipiac Launch Workforce Partnership

Creating a strong workforce pipeline is among the most prominent goals in Hartford HealthCare’s new partnership with Quinnipiac University. 

The two institutions announced the collaboration Jan. 19, intended to not only help the healthcare pipeline, but other professions as well. 

In doing so, Hartford HealthCare committed to investing $5 million over the next five years to help address the need for a strong workforce.

“We’re so excited to be bringing together two historic Connecticut institutions and align our resources and capabilities to create something that is new and better,” said Hartford HealthCare president and CEO Jeffrey Flaks. 

Provide, Redefine, Develop 

The Governor’s Workforce Council’s 2020 Strategic Plan determined demand for more than 7,000 jobs a year related to healthcare in Connecticut.

The American Medical College in June projected an estimated national shortage between 37,800 and 124,000 physicians by 2034. 

Today we are excited to announce a unique academic partnership with @QuinnipiacU focused on building the healthcare workforce of tomorrow and growing student pipelines across a wide range of industries to address long-term talent needs. https://t.co/L8RPv6B3X7

— Hartford HealthCare (@HartfordHealthC) January 19, 2022

“Our far-reaching collaboration will significantly enhance healthcare education both inside and outside the classroom, as well as the training and job opportunities available to Quinnipiac students  all across the university,” said Quinnipiac University president Judy Olian. 

The two institutions said the strategic partnership will provide care for students and athletes throughout campus healthcare services as well as redefine and advance healthcare education. 

Creating Opportunities

Clinical rotations will be added for students and Hartford HealthCare professionals plan to help strengthen the curriculum for graduate and undergraduate students. 

“We have to figure out ways to dramatically expand our capacity to train more nurses,” said Flaks. 

“We need more ways to retain the students who are in Connecticut today so when they graduate, they stay.”

Hartford HealthCare’s Jeffrey Flaks

Flaks said they plan to get students into Hartford Healthcare facilities in the early years of their education and create opportunities for them after graduation. 

“We need more ways to retain the students who are in Connecticut today so when they graduate, they stay in Connecticut.,” he said.

Placement Programs

Hartford HealthCare will also help with programs in placement in other industry sectors, including creating a leadership development program with Quinnipiac’s School of Business. 

Quinnipiac College of Arts and Science students will also be able to enroll in practicums, internships, and research opportunities to learn about topics ranging from supply chain management to finance and legal compliance. 

Hartford HealthCare also sponsors a careers pathway program at Hartford Public High School.

Hartford HealthCare employees and their dependents will also have access to further their education for a discounted rate at the university as part of the partnership.

Last summer, Hartford Public High School launched a new healthcare careers pathway program sponsored by Hartford HealthCare designed to provide career opportunities for students.