As health centers across Tennessee celebrate National Health Center Week, Cempa Community Care in Chattanooga is demonstrating how strategic partnerships can help build the next generation of healthcare professionals while strengthening access to care in local communities.
For years, Cempa Community Care and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) College of Nursing have worked together to create meaningful learning opportunities for students while supporting the region's healthcare workforce needs.
"Our primary partnership has been clinical affiliation agreements for nurse practitioners, dietitians, social work, and public health students to gain clinical and real-world experiences through offering internships at various points during UTC students' collegiate career," said Melissa White, Compliance and Risk Officer at Cempa Community Care.
The collaboration extends beyond student placements. Both organizations also serve on the Hamilton County Regional Health Council, creating additional opportunities to align educational experiences with community health needs.
Creating Pathways into Community Health
For UTC students, the partnership provides exposure to community-based healthcare and the opportunity to build professional connections close to home.
"Giving students opportunities locally and adjacent to campus is beneficial to get plugged into the local healthcare community and help them discover the healthcare setting that is right for them," Melissa said.
The impact can be seen within Cempa's own workforce. Several current providers have deep ties to UTC, including a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) who earned both her MSN and DNP degrees from UTC and later served as an undergraduate instructor. Two of Cempa's Family Nurse Practitioners also received their nursing degrees through UTC, with one completing a clinical rotation at Cempa as a student.
Building a Workforce Pipeline
Like many health centers nationwide, Cempa recognizes the importance of developing strong recruitment pipelines to address current and future workforce needs. Partnerships with local colleges and universities play a critical role in that effort.
"We've found the students who are interested in the community health setting really benefit from having that clinical experience at our health center and potentially transitioning directly into a hired position in the near future," Melissa shared.
By introducing students to the mission-driven work of community health centers early in their careers, Cempa creates opportunities for future employment while helping students discover a rewarding healthcare setting they may not have otherwise considered.
The result is a win-win: students gain valuable experience, and health centers cultivate relationships with potential future employees who already understand the unique needs of the communities they serve.
Recognition for Community Impact
The success of the partnership has not gone unnoticed.
In spring of this year, Cempa Community Care received the UTC Community Partner Award from the College of Nursing in recognition of its ongoing commitment to student education and community health.
The award highlights the important role community health centers play in shaping the healthcare workforce while advancing health outcomes throughout their communities.
Advice for Other Health Centers
For other Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Look-Alikes considering similar partnerships, Melissa encourages organizations to take the initiative and invest in student training opportunities.
"My biggest advice is don't be afraid to pursue those clinical affiliation agreements and partnerships with the area schools and the universities," she said. "It really does help support the growth of the healthcare industry."
While precepting students and providing clinical experiences requires time and dedication from staff, Melissa believes the long-term benefits far outweigh the investment. "Offering clinical rotations and experiences in community health is a vital investment to the future of the workforce."
Cempa Community Care's partnership with UTC College of Nursing serves as a powerful example of how health centers can strengthen their communities, support student success, and build a sustainable healthcare workforce for years to come.
Resources for Health Centers
- Want to learn more about Cempa’s workforce programs? Contact Melissa White, Compliance and Risk Officer at Cempa Community Care, at mwhite@cempa.org.
- Interested in exploring HR-related topics, exchanging ideas and strategies, and sharing practical solutions to common issues? Reach out to sade.sleet@tnpca.org for information on TPCA’s HR/Workforce Networking Group.
This interview was edited for brevity and clarity.
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