CoxHealth employees accept Employer of the Year award

The OTC Middle College has named CoxHealth its Employer of the Year. The health system was selected for its constant assistance and support in providing Middle College students internships in the fields of health services and early childhood education.

“CoxHealth gives our students the opportunity to study several different careers and options available to them in the fields of healthcare and child development,” said Dr. Hal Higdon, chancellor of Ozarks Technical Community College. “We are grateful to CoxHealth for providing real-world experience to our Middle College students.”

Middle College is a contemporary, academic pathway for students who are struggling in a traditional high-school setting. The program includes classroom instruction on the OTC Springfield Campus and internships at various local businesses.

Tiffany Brunner, director of OTC’s Middle College, said CoxHealth has been an excellent partner with the program. CoxHealth representatives were presented with the Employer of the Year award at Middle College’s recent graduation ceremony.

“They have done an outstanding job placing our students in real-life scenarios and involving them in the day-to-day operations of the hospital,” Brunner said. “We truly appreciate CoxHealth’s partnership.”

Approximately 15 students were placed in 90 hours of paid internships with the health system, and they were given opportunities to work in the emergency room, labor and delivery, mental health therapy, radiology and the early childhood center.