Northwell School of Health Sciences: New Queens HS for Healthcare Careers

By Better Today On Feb 14, 2024

TL/DR –

A new high school, the Northwell School of Health Sciences, is being constructed in Woodside, Queens, with a focus on preparing its students for careers in health care. The new school is being funded by a multi-million dollar donation from Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg and is expected to serve up to 900 students. The school will open for the 2025-2026 school year, and students will be given the opportunity to enter the workforce or earn at least seven college credits before graduation.

A New High School in NYC for Healthcare Careers

A new healthcare-focused high school is being established in New York City, set to be the city’s latest addition to its Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. The announcement was made by Schools Chancellor David Banks in Long Island City.

Funding From Bloomberg and Northwell

Backed by a multi-million-dollar donation from Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the department is developing the Northwell School of Health Sciences in Woodside, Queens. This career-focused high school is under construction on Northern Boulevard and will accommodate up to 900 students interested in the medical profession.

Practical Training for Health Careers

Offering life-like interactive mannequins and simulation technology, the school aims to encapsulate the reality of working in health care. It will provide training in four healthcare fields: diagnostic medicine, physical therapy, mental health, and nursing.

Preparing Students for the Workforce

Michael Dowling, CEO of Northwell, said the school is more than just a single institution; it is a visionary collaboration looking to improve public health and promote health equity. The school’s objective is to prepare students for workforce entry or earning at least seven college credits before graduation.

Bloomberg’s Investment in Vocational Education

Bloomberg Philanthropies is funding the school with $24.9 million over five years, aiming to cultivate vocational and technical education. The investment covers start-up costs, including teacher recruitment, curriculum development, internship stipends, and classroom and lab materials.

Addressing Healthcare Job Shortage

With two million healthcare job openings currently and another two million expected in the next eight years, the school aims to play a significant role in filling this gap. It is scheduled to open for the 2025-2026 school year and will be housed on a campus with four other new CTE high schools, adding 3,000 high school seats in Queens.