DFWHC Workforce Center News

Pilot project to connect local veterans with healthcare careers

IRVING, TX – In a joint effort of major healthcare entities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the North Texas Veterans Connecting with Healthcare Careers Project will attempt to link returning Texas military veterans with local hospital jobs. Local partners include Baylor Health Care System, the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council Education and Research Foundation (DFWHC Foundation), El Centro College, HCA North Texas Division, Methodist Health System, Texas Health Resources, Texas Workforce Commission and Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas.

“Over the past several years, there has been a serious shortage in healthcare workers across the Metroplex,” said Sally Williams, director of the DFWHC Foundation Workforce Center. “This is a great opportunity to provide relief for many hospitals suffering from this shortage. In addition, these great heroes, our returning veterans, would be excellent additions to the local hospital workforce.”

The North Texas Veterans Connecting with Healthcare Careers Project will place returning veterans with healthcare experience or those interested in a healthcare career with the appropriate opportunity and training. Jobs available in North Texas hospitals can be found for clinical and non-clinical positions including registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, coders, pharmacists, pharmacist technicians and other allied health professions.

Healthcare training is also available for nursing, surgical technology, respiratory care, radiology, certifications, paramedics, medical transcription, medical assisting and many others.

“This is a pilot project for not only North Texas, but the entire country,” Williams said. “We hope this can serve as a model for the nation in welcoming our veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan home as they return to civilian life. The best way to thank them for the sacrifices they’ve made is to put in place this healthcare road map for their successful re-integration."

Veterans interested should contact their local Texas Workforce Commission Veterans Resource and Referral Specialist. Information can be found at vets.texasworkforce.org or by calling 1-888-VET-TEX1.

To obtain a PSA audio or video by Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Tom Pauken, please contact Chris Wilson at chrisw@dfwhc.org.

For additional information, please contact the DFWHC Foundation Workforce Center at 972-719-4900.

Click here for a promotional flyer.

Click here for PSA copy.