Catching Them Early: Preparing Future Healthcare Professionals
Article by Angel Montes-Michel
Healthcare workforce shortages continue to challenge communities and accessibility to care, advocating for the next generation of healthcare professionals has never been more critical, especially at a young age. At Thurston High School (THS), Kristen Rosenblum is doing just that, providing students with the experience to step confidently into the field from the beginning.
As a CTE Health Science teacher, Rosenblum became certified through Lane Education Service District to teach American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR. However, limited and outdated equipment made it difficult to provide meaningful, hands-on CPR training.
That changed at THS thanks to a $4,000 grant from the Springfield Education Foundation’s Innovative Educator Grant. With new AED trainers, adult and infant manikins, and essential tools, her classroom has transformed into an immersive learning environment where students can now earn their certification directly in class.
“It’s really important because of how funding works in education,” Rosenblum said. “My program gets about $500 a year for basic supplies like pencils, paper, and gloves. You just don’t have the resources for projects like this. The grants allow you to dream. Without this, I could have taught CPR, but not actually have certified students.”
Instead of sharing training equipment with 52 students in groups of three or four, students will now work in pairs together, allowing for more practice and real-time feedback from the upgraded mannequins. “Getting the correct [chest compression] depth is hard,” Rosenblum said. “Having that kind of feedback makes a huge difference.”
Beyond technical skills, her program emphasizes teamwork and real-world application. “CPR can be very tiring and you might be doing it for 10–15 minutes,” she explains. “It’s important to know how to direct others and tell them what to do as well as work as a team so you can switch off in a real-life situation.”
CPR certification becomes part of a broader credential portfolio, alongside training in HIPAA and bloodborne pathogens, giving students a strong foundation and a head start in the healthcare field.
By equipping students with real-world skills early on, Rosenblum’s class—and support from SEF—are helping shape the next generation of healthcare professionals while expanding access to care.
“Career Technical Education (CTE) is all about relevant, real-world instruction that helps students imagine themselves and their futures. The SEF grant is a great way to recognize the dedication instructors like Kristen bring
This hands-on education builds confidence and prepares students for future pathways, including nursing programs, pre-medicine, and other healthcare careers. It not only strengthens resumes, but also provides meaningful, real-world training in a highly competitive field, giving students a head start in their medical and professional journeys.
