Premier Health now recruiting teens as employees

Move is a sign of where health care industry is headed, says hospital.

Premier Health, the Dayton region’s largest private employer, is now recruiting teenagers as employees.

The Dayton-based health network said in a statement that it’s “a new step for a health care system, which traditionally has filled many of its positions with individuals over the age of 18.”

The announcement comes as recruitment for workers increases and Ohio’s unemployment rate dipped down to 4.6 percent as of December.

Some of the jobs it is recruiting high school students 16 years and older for are in departments such as environmental, nutrition and linen services.

Some students might also be able to become a patient care technician, which is an entrylevel health care position. That would require students to meet standards such as enrollment or completion of a state-tested nursing assistant course.

“This move is a sign of where our industry is headed and the type of demands we are facing as employers,” stated Billie Lucente-Baker, system director of talent acquisition with Premier Health’s human resources department.

“Our current and future workforce needs require us to be more creative and to look for ways to introduce young students to a potential career in health care.”

Premier Health as of November had the equivalent of more than 12,200 fulltime employees. The health network operates Miami Valley Hospital, Atrium Medical Center, Upper Valley Medical Center, other outpatient sites and a large physician network.

More information about jobs is at premierhealth.com/ highschooljobs.