Building Local Talent: WVMC Internships Inspire the Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals

Nov 14, 2025

Building Local Talent: WVMC Internships Inspire the Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals

As MEDP closes out the ARPA 8212 Workforce Development Grant, we’re celebrating the success of the Willamette Valley Medical Center (WVMC) Internship Program—a hands-on initiative connecting local students to meaningful healthcare experiences right here in McMinnville, Oregon.

Through this partnership, three cohorts of interns have explored real-world roles across departments—from the Emergency Department and Surgery to Behavioral Health, Materials Management, and Emergency Preparedness—gaining valuable skills and mentorship that are shaping their future career paths.

The results speak for themselves:

Cohort 1 participants have gone on to nursing and paramedic programs, with several receiving scholarships and awards for their commitment to healthcare.

Cohort 2 saw interns advance into paid roles at WVMC and enroll in Linfield and Chemeketa nursing programs, inspired to pursue emergency and surgical careers.

Cohort 3 brought new community impact, with interns leading a successful Emergency Preparedness Fair and confirming their passion for nursing, surgery, and even event planning.

Many interns have already transitioned from exploration to employment or higher education, supported by WVMC’s strong mentorship culture and the collaborative efforts of MEDP and community partners.

This program reflects what’s possible when education, healthcare, and economic development work together—creating clear pathways for local talent while strengthening McMinnville’s healthcare workforce for the future.

As we wrap up this phase of the ARPA grant, MEDP is proud to celebrate these inspiring students, WVMC’s dedicated team, and the growing opportunities for young professionals in Yamhill County’s healthcare sector.

Interested in connecting on workforce development programming in our area? Reach out and join us at our monthly WIN-Workforce Integration Network meeting held on the first Wednesday of the month at Chemeketa Community College – Yamhill Valley Campus, McMinnville from 3-4pm.