Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, in partnership with Shawano Community High School and ThedaCare, recently collaborated to provide students with hands-on health care career exploration opportunities as part of the high school’s career day.
Students engaged with local health care professionals, explored career pathways and toured NWTC’s on-site training labs within ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano — one of the first models in Wisconsin to place educational lab space directly inside a hospital setting. This unique environment offers hands-on clinical experience and strengthens the connection between education and employment.
“This type of collaboration is what makes our communities stronger,” said Jeannie Otto, NWTC K-12 pathways and community impact coordinator. “We’re able to connect students directly with local employers and educational opportunities, helping them see what’s possible right here in their own community.”
A highlight of the day included NWTC alumni, now working in the local health care field, many of whom are employed at ThedaCare-Shawano. Their presence offered students a real-world perspective on how local education can lead to meaningful careers within the community — by simply getting their start at NWTC.
“It’s incredibly impactful for students to see professionals who started in the same classrooms and are now serving their own community,” Otto said. “That connection makes these pathways feel real and attainable.”
This ongoing partnership between NWTC and ThedaCare-Shawano reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the local workforce and supporting community well-being.
“The career exploration event helps us connect directly with young students from across the region that are interested in a potential career in health care,” said Kristie McCoic, vice president of critical access hospitals at ThedaCare. “Meeting face-to-face with students allows us to help guide these bright, curious minds as they explore health care careers. This benefits our communities in the long term as many of these students grow into the next generation of much-needed health care professionals.”
NWTC offers a variety of programs and classes across its regional locations — providing pathways for students to gain in-demand skills and supporting workforce needs throughout northeastern Wisconsin.
To learn more about starting a career in health care and training opportunities offered at NWTC-Shawano, call 715-524-2418 or visit https://www.nwtc.edu. For more information about ThedaCare-Shawano, visit https://directory.thedacare.org/location/thedacare-medical-center-shawano.
