Jefferson College and the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) recently honored Mercy Hospital Jefferson (MHJ) for outstanding support of Missouri community colleges. The hospital received the 2022 Distinguished Business/Industry Award at the statewide MCCA convention.
The prominent award is given annually to businesses that go above and beyond to show their support for Missouri community colleges and the progression of higher education.
Mercy Hospital Jefferson has collaborated with Jefferson College for years to meet the health care needs of Jefferson County. This relationship has stimulated economic growth, supported students, and enhanced programs. MHJ has been an exceptional clinical partner for our health care programs and has collaborated with the College’s Bi-Level Nursing program to create a Dedicated Education Unit that allows highly coordinated patient experiences, incorporating student objectives, debriefing sessions, and hospital and College staff engagement. MHJ collaborates with our Radiologic Technology program to provide clinical opportunities in radiography, CT, and MRI.
An example of their commitment to student education, MHJ employee Bryan Fitzpatrick, PTA, was the 2021 recipient of the Kathy Johnson Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award, which is awarded to an outstanding clinical instructor (PT/PTA) in a seven-state region. This dedication to clinical education reflects the MHJ commitment to the College and students. MHJ representatives are members on advisory committees for the college's health occupation programs. Advisory committee members offer input on curricular updates, industry changes, and future initiatives. An outcome of this demonstrated commitment is the development of the Patient Care Technician (PCT) and the Pathways in Nursing (PIN) programs. MHJ has been intimately involved with the development of core competencies and objectives for high school seniors in the college's PCT program. This program includes spring clinical experiences for students leading to credentialing prior to high school graduation. MHJ has agreed to interview and hire several PCT completers each year. Additionally, this collaborative relationship led to the development of a highly innovative and integrated PIN program to begin in fall 2024 for direct matriculation to the nursing program upon high school graduation from the PCT program.
MCCA is Missouri’s largest advocacy group for community colleges. Each year, MCCA honors individuals and businesses who support community colleges in Missouri and provides recognition to those who are selected based on their support, generosity, commitment, and partnerships with community colleges in the state.
Pictured: Jefferson College President Dr. Dena McCaffrey (left) congratulates Mercy Hospital Jefferson representatives Alisyn Beffa, Ami Faerber, and Macy Casey in connection with the 2022 MCCA Distinguished Business/Industry Award.
