[BEAVER, WV] New River Community and Technical College welcomed students, faculty, sponsors, and medical professionals to its annual Interprofessional Day on April 11, 2025, at the Raleigh County Campus in Beaver. The event brought together students from multiple allied health programs for a day of hands-on learning, collaboration, and simulation-based training designed to reflect real-world healthcare scenarios in rural settings.
Students from New River CTC’s associate degree Nursing (ADN), Practical Nursing (LPN), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Paramedic, Phlebotomy, Medical Assisting, Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), Surgical Technology, and Social Work programs were joined by medical students from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) to work through challenging, team-based simulations. The experience provided a unique opportunity for interprofessional education—mirroring the type of collaboration essential in-patient care today.
In addition to simulations, sponsors from regional healthcare facilities conducted mock interviews and shared career insights with students, reinforcing the event’s focus on workforce development and retention of healthcare professionals in rural West Virginia. High school students from GEAR UP SWV in Mercer County also participated in hands-on activities alongside New River students and faculty.
“This event is a powerful example of how community colleges can lead in healthcare education by connecting students directly with the realities of rural patient care,” said Dr. Angela Strickland, New River CTC Interim Dean of Allied Health, Nursing, and Natural Science. “It’s not just about training students for a job—it’s about preparing them to serve and stay in the communities that need them most.”
Interprofessional Day reflects New River CTC’s commitment to experiential learning, community partnerships, and creating pathways for students to thrive in high-demand careers. The college continues to invest in simulations, partnerships, and events like this to ensure students are not only workforce-ready but also mission-driven.
For more information about New River CTC’s allied health programs, visit www.newriver.edu or contact Amanda Combs at acombs@newriver.edu.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Mykah F. Ballard
Director of Communications
New River Community and Technical College
Phone: 304-929-6727
