Forbes recently ranked the Maine College of Health Professions (MCHP) in Lewiston 15th on its Top 30 Two-Year Trade Schools list. The recognition comes at a great time of growth and opportunity for the health professions college.
The ranking reflects MCHP’s dedication to affordable education for in-demand, high-paying healthcare jobs. Nationally and in Maine, the impending nursing shortage has Registered Nurses listed as a top profession. According to the Maine Department of Labor, Radiologic Technologist is listed as the 11th most in-demand, high-earning job that doesn’t require a four-year degree with an entry wage of over $20 per hour. MCHP offers a comprehensive Radiologic Technology program that includes a positioning simulation lab and a heavy emphasis on clinical practice that provide students with more hands-on experience in a variety of clinical settings than other programs.
“We specialize in healthcare education,” said MCHP President Dr. Monika Bissell. “Our faculty understand and apply effective learning theory, which allows them to create course content and activities based on real-world clinical scenarios. We are intent on preparing students as well as possible for life after graduation.”
In addition to learning theory, MCHP offers Interprofessional Education (IPE) opportunities that allow students to work on their interdepartmental collaboration skills. In 2016, Johns Hopkins University found that the third leading cause of death in the United States was medical error, much of which can be attributed to communication breakdowns. Getting students familiar with collaboration through IPE helps them to communicate effectively with other clinical areas, paving the way for enhanced patient care and reduced error.
This spring, the State of Maine Board of Education granted approval for MCHP to offer bachelor’s degrees. The college is awaiting final approval from its regional accreditor, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The initial bachelor’s degree offering will be for current Registered Nurses and will offer students flexibility by featuring many online courses. MCHP is aiming for a January 2018 launch, pending accreditor approval.
The bachelor’s degree offering is only the beginning of a great time of growth for MCHP, which plans additional health-related bachelor’s degree programs in the future. Ultimately, according to Bissell, the college would like to offer master’s degrees in various health professions.
The college is also continuing to strengthen its relationship with Central Maine Healthcare to further expand practical, hands-on learning opportunities and stay on top of emerging healthcare trends. The relationship can also help students have an easier transition from student to work life through increased clinical experience and familiarity with a healthcare system.
“It’s a very exciting time for MCHP. There’s a lot of change, but in the midst of this change, we will stay true to what we do best – delivering the highest quality healthcare professions education,” said Bissell.
Date of Release: August 15, 2017