As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals in the clinical laboratory sciences is increasing. To address this need, Northern Michigan University's (NMU) School of Clinical Sciences has partnered with Helen Newberry Joy Hospital (HNJH) to provide students with hands-on experience and financial support. This mutually beneficial partnership not only enriches the educational experience of Northern Michigan University students but also supports Helen Newberry Joy Hospital’s mission to provide quality healthcare to the local community.
Martin Renaldi, an assistant professor in the School of Clinical Sciences with over 30 years of expertise and a Master's degree from Northern Michigan University, has strongly advocated for this collaboration. This collaboration between Northern Michigan University and Helen Newberry Joy Hospital began with a straightforward yet impactful goal: to alleviate the shortage of qualified laboratory personnel in rural healthcare settings. HNJH, a rural health care provider, has generously offered a scholarship program to support students pursuing their Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) degree at NMU.
“The scholarship program aims to provide financial assistance to students who are completing their 15-week internship (Practicum) at HNJH,” Renaldi states. This program helps defer tuition costs and provides them invaluable hands-on experience in a real-world clinical setting. Integrating academic learning with practical application is crucial for developing the necessary skills and competencies in aspiring clinical laboratory scientists. Mitch Grigg, Vice president of Ancillary Services at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital, said, “In today’s ever-changing healthcare environment, it is important to recognize the value of rural healthcare and how it impacts the small communities of the Upper Peninsula.”
Grigg continued, “First of all, I want to thank Mr. Renaldi and the leadership at Northern Michigan University for
recognizing the need to expose their students to rural hospitals and the benefits they provide to their respective communities. Our partnership makes sense because we share a similar philosophy in rural healthcare and the outreach that it provides to some of the underserved areas of Michigan."
Our partnership not only provides unique opportunities for new professionals but also provides a potential employment stream to rural hospitals, enabling them to continue to provide the necessary care for their communities.”
- Mitch Grigg, Vice president of Ancillary Services at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital
The rising cost of tuition and the additional expenses associated with relocating for internships pose significant challenges for many students today. HNJH's scholarship helps alleviate these financial burdens, making it easier for students to focus on their education and training. For example, two NMU students were the first recipients of the HNJH Scholarship. Their stories highlight the program's success: both students completed their practicum at HNJH and secured employment at the hospital after graduation. “I recall both students were ecstatic about being accepted and very grateful for the financial assistance and room and board,” Renaldi said. Another student expressed immense gratitude and excitement upon receiving the scholarship, which allowed him to begin his practicum at HNJH.
The shortage of qualified clinical laboratory personnel is a pressing issue in rural healthcare. “The collaboration between NMU and HNJH is a proactive step towards addressing this challenge,” Renaldi stated, "By offering scholarships and practical training opportunities, HNJH is not only supporting the education of future healthcare professionals but also ensuring that its laboratory is staffed with well-trained, competent individuals.
Better compensation for laboratory professionals is essential to mitigate the workforce shortage further. Competitive salaries would make these positions more attractive and help retain qualified personnel in rural areas. The partnership with HNJH significantly enhances the educational experience for NMU students. “The university teaches the students didactic theory and basic and intermediate laboratory skills; however, it is in the clinical setting that the future laboratorian can further develop these essential skills,” Renaldi said. While the university provides theoretical knowledge and basic laboratory skills, hands-on training in a fully functional clinical laboratory environment is indispensable. This practical exposure allows students to apply their learning, develop advanced skills, and gain confidence in their abilities.
Mentorship plays a critical role in this process. Renaldi explained, “Mentoring a student is a challenging and esoteric discipline and is imperative to the student’s success in their academic studies, including their Practicum, but even more so in the student’s eventual professional career.” Experienced professionals at HNJH guide students through their practicum, offering support and imparting knowledge that goes beyond textbooks. “A laboratory tech never stops learning, “cada dia es un aventura” (Spanish, for every day is an adventure), is my favorite saying in the laboratory realm because it is true; there is never a dull moment, there is always a learning moment”, Renaldi said. This mentorship helps students succeed academically and prepares them for their future careers, fostering a continuous learning environment.
The scholarship program aligns with the broader missions of both NMU and HNJH. For NMU, it ensures that students have the necessary clinical placements to complete their education. For HNJH, it provides a potential recruitment pipeline for much-needed laboratory employees. “This win-win scenario benefits the students, the hospital, and ultimately, the local community,” Renaldi said. Looking ahead, there is hope that this successful model can be expanded to other healthcare facilities in the region. By replicating the scholarship and internship program, other rural hospitals can also benefit from a steady influx of well-trained laboratory professionals.
The collaboration between NMU and HNJH is more than just an educational initiative; it is a vital component of the local healthcare ecosystem. “Being a part of the clinical laboratory realm for well over 30 years, I can attest to the local, rural hospital’s acute need for laboratorians, and all other health care professions for that matter”, Renaldi states. Rural hospitals like HNJ are essential for providing accessible healthcare to their communities. Ensuring these hospitals are adequately staffed with qualified professionals is critical for maintaining their operations and delivering high-quality care. “At Helen Newberry Joy Hospital, the well-being of our community is our top priority. We are dedicated to developing skilled healthcare professionals who will serve our community with excellence,” said Hunter Nostrant, President and CEO of Helen Newberry Joy Hospital.
“Our partnership with Northern Michigan University’s School of Clinical Sciences is inspiring because it benefits the students by providing invaluable practical experience and enhances the quality of care wecan offer our patients. This collaboration addresses the urgent need for qualified laboratory personnel in our rural area, creating a mutually beneficial relationship for the students, the
hospital, and the community.”- Hunter Nostrant, President and CEO of Helen Newberry Joy Hospital.
The partnership between Northern Michigan University and Helen Newberry Joy Hospital exemplifies how strategic collaborations can address critical workforce challenges in rural healthcare. Through this partnership, students receive hands-on experience, financial support, and mentorship, ultimately leading to a more skilled and qualified workforce. By supporting students through scholarships and practical training, this initiative enhances their educational experience and strengthens the local healthcare system, ensuring a healthier future for rural communities.
Renaldi is a strong supporter of this collaboration. Although not directly connected to NMU’s Center for Rural Health, he views this partnership as a significant step towards improving rural healthcare. His dedication to the field is evident, and he is eager to participate in future collaborations supporting rural health initiatives.
If you have any questions regarding this topic or would like to reach out, you can contact Martin Renaldi, MT (ASCP), MPA, at mrenaldi@nmu.edu.
The Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health seeks to improve Upper Peninsula residents' and communities' health and well-being by developing collaborative partnerships that enhance the access and availability of affordable, quality healthcare services. For questions or comments related to this story, contact ruralhealth@nmu.edu.