Sponsored by USD’s Beacom School of Business and the School of Health Sciences at The University of South Dakota, "Healthcare and Business: Your Opportunity to Succeed" is a workshop that will explore the exciting careers in the healthcare industry for students who want to evolve their educational opportunities.

"When you combine your education in healthcare and business, the career opportunities become endless," explained Debra L. Nixon, director of the Long-Term Care Management Certificate Program at USD. "If a student majors in marketing but finishes college with a minor in occupational therapy, not just one but 10 job opportunities can open up."

The half-day seminar will feature several presentations by leading industry representatives and healthcare advocates from South Dakota, including South Dakota State Senator Tom Dempster, who will deliver the event’s keynote address.

"Senator Dempster is an ideal person to speak on behalf of the State of South Dakota since he is actively aware of the healthcare needs in the state. He is the Senate prime sponsor of the Zaniya Health Care Task Force bill and the Senate prime sponsor of the transparency legislation. In addition, he recognizes healthcare services are continuing to grow and understands that the shortage of healthcare workers is very serious," Nixon said. "These issues need to be addressed now if we want to make a positive difference in the healthcare industry in the Midwest."

Along with Dempster’s address, speakers include Chrystal Wright and Karen Cudmore from the South Dakota Healthcare Workforce Initiative and key healthcare employers in the state, including Ann Thompson and Lynne Hagen from Avera McKennan and University Health Center; Marty Davis from Golden Living Centers; Gail Blocker of Good Samaritan Society; and Orlen Tschetter from Sanford USD Health Center. Each of the speakers will discuss the necessary steps students can take to ensure successful careers in the healthcare industry. The workshop will conclude with a question and answer session, facilitated by Nixon, and a closing from Ronald Lindahl, Ph.D., executive dean of the Sanford School of Medicine and dean of Basic Biomedical Sciences at USD.

"Healthcare and Business: Your Opportunity to Succeed" is open to students – undergraduate and graduate – interested in pursuing a career in the field of healthcare. The workshop begins with registration and a continental breakfast at 8 a.m.

Events and topics for the workshop have been scheduled at these times:

  • 8:30 a.m. to 8:40 a.m., Welcome by Lindahl, Sanford School of Medicine
  • 8:40 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., Workshop Overview by Mary Derby, director of the HSAD program at USD
  • 8:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., Keynote Address by S.D. State Senator Tom Dempster
  • 9:15 a.m. to 11 a.m., Speaker Panel featuring Nixon; Chrystal Wright and Karen Cudmore of South Dakota Healthcare Workforce Initiative; Ann Thompson and Lynne Hagen with Avera McKennan and University Health Center; Marty Davis of Golden Living Centers; Gail Blocker with Good Samaritan Society; and Orlen Tschetter of Sanford USD Medical Center.
  • 11 a.m. to 11:20 a.m., break
  • 11:20 a.m. to 11:55 a.m., Interaction with Audience, including a question and answer session

For more information about “Healthcare and Business: Your Opportunity to Succeed,” please contact Nixon at 602-625-2758 or via e-mail at Debbie.Nixon@usd.edu.

Individual photographs are available for download at:
www.usd.edu/urelations/images/Thomas_Dempster.jpg
www.usd.edu/urelations/images/Orlen_Tschetter.jpg
www.usd.edu/urelations/images/Gail_Blocker.jpg
www.usd.edu/urelations/images/Ann_Thompson.jpg
www.usd.edu/urelations/images/Lynne_Hagen.jpg.

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Hanna DeLange
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