Marshfield Clinic Health System and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point have entered a partnership that will advance the development of the health care workforce by providing new education and training opportunities for students.

The partnership is focused on UW-Stevens Point’s academic programs with MCHS’s clinical training opportunities, and to further develop UW-Stevens Point’s health-related programs by having the Health System’s input on program development, to assist with the recruitment and retention of talent in northcentral Wisconsin.

“UW-Stevens Point and Marshfield Clinic have both been regional leaders for more than 100 years. We’re committed to responding to needs of the communities we serve. This partnership will further strengthen our ability to meet the growing need for health-related professionals to serve central and northern Wisconsin,” said Chancellor Bernie Patterson.

An aging health care workforce and statewide staffing shortfall makes this partnership especially important and timely. The Wisconsin Center for Nursing projects a shortage of 1,000 nurses annually.

Key components of the partnership include:

  • Expansion of existing degree programs and establishment of new health-related majors, minors and certificates. New programs include a master’s degree in health care administration and doctorate in physical therapy. Bachelor’s degree programs would expand in several health care professions, including nursing, dietetics and clinical laboratory science.
  • Development of a Marshfield Clinic Health System Scholars Program that partners top UW-Stevens Point students with opportunities at the Health System for practicum and clinical experience.
  • Additional academic offerings at UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield and Wausau branch campuses.

The Marshfield Clinic Health System Scholars program will identify top-performing students in health-related fields at UW-Stevens Point who have an interest of staying in the region after graduation. Scholars will receive tuition assistance and have additional training and mentoring opportunities. Read the full story here.