The way forward in health care isn’t competition, it’s collaboration. Nowhere is that more clear than in The Alliance for Healthcare Education — a bold model for building our region’s future.

At CoxHealth, we are committed to health care education and workforce development. That’s why we are proud to be a part of The Alliance for Healthcare Education, a groundbreaking collaboration between CoxHealth, Missouri State University (MSU), Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC), and Springfield Public Schools (SPS).

Together, we aim to become the region’s largest provider of allied health care professionals, creating clear, rewarding career pathways for students and professionals.

As Shallina Goodnight, executive director of The Alliance, explains: “This is not just an extension of what already existed. We are fundamentally changing the way workforce development and health care education function.”

Major impacts for high school students, and professionals who are skilling up

By simplifying once-complex educational pathways, we’re making it easier for students to transition into health care careers.

For high school students, The Alliance offers an unparalleled opportunity.

“We have a class of juniors — our first class of 32 students — who will complete their junior and senior years at The Alliance,” Shallina notes. “By the time they graduate, they will have their high school diploma, an EMT or CNA certification, and up to an associate degree — all at no cost to them.”

This means that at just 18 years old, these students can immediately enter the workforce or have a jumpstart to their education. For example, a CNA graduate could work part-time at CoxHealth while pursuing a four-year degree.

“By 20, that student could be an RN with a four-year degree and no debt,” Shallina adds.

Beyond high school students, The Alliance also serves current health care employees looking to advance their careers.

“Leaders can identify staff members who have not yet reached their full professional potential, and the Alliance is here to help them skill up,” Shallina says. This approach ensures that health care professionals continue to grow within their field while meeting the increasing demand for skilled workers.

Investing in the learning environment

The impact of The Alliance is gaining recognition at state and national levels.

“Nearly $21 million has already been allocated to this project,” Shallina says. This includes a $15 million state allocation, a $5.7 million U.S. Department of Labor grant, and additional private funding.

The Alliance’s home at Cox North is undergoing major renovations to create an advanced learning environment.

“We have 80,000 square feet of renovated space from Cox College, and we’re adding another 40,000 square feet of educational space,” Shallina notes. These upgrades will include state-of-the-art simulation labs, interactive learning spaces and real clinical environments where students will gain hands-on experience.

By investing in The Alliance, CoxHealth is strengthening the health care workforce and transforming lives.

“This isn’t just about education; it’s about building a community where anyone with the heart for health care has a pathway to success,” Shallina says.

Revolutionizing workforce development: The Alliance for Healthcare Education