In a rapidly evolving world, staying at the forefront of your field is essential, and that's exactly what the American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) aimed to achieve at its 2023 Employer Summit, held on October 19th. This annual event, which took place online, brought together academic program leaders, career services professionals, and employers, fostering collaboration and innovation in the realm of holistic health education. Here, we'll delve into the key insights and highlights from this year's summit.
"It is essential that employers and higher education institutions work together to help students develop the essential skills they need to be successful in the workforce of today and the future. The 2023 Employer Summit resulted in several insights that will benefit ACHS programs, including the demand for expanded skills in digital literacy, how to leverage AI tools, understanding of the regulatory framework for promoting dietary supplements, and collaborative communication," shared ACHS President Tracey Abell.
One of the primary goals of this year's summit was to establish meaningful connections with industry experts. ACHS recognized the importance of staying ahead in the holistic health field and aimed to engage with leading experts to ensure they remain at the forefront of industry developments. This collaborative approach opens the door to valuable insights and partnerships that can benefit students and alumni.
Keeping an eye on the latest industry trends is crucial for any educational institution. The 2023 Employer Summit was designed to gather feedback on these trends. By doing so, ACHS can adapt its curricula, program offerings, and overarching goals to ensure students are well-prepared for the evolving holistic health landscape.
Perhaps one of the most tangible outcomes of the summit was the creation of actionable pathways for student and alumni success in holistic health careers. ACHS recognizes the need to equip its students with the skills and knowledge required to excel in their chosen field. These pathways serve as a guide to success, ensuring that students are well-prepared to make a positive impact in the holistic health industry.
"The [ACHS Employer] Summit provided a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the nutrition and herbal jobs in our market. I was thrilled to learn that we are all intentional about working with customers and clients using health-supportive language, as well as offering a livable wage." - Christi Louderback, Nutritional Health Coach Regional Manager, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage
The summit welcomed distinguished experts from the holistic health industry, providing valuable data and insights. ACHS had the privilege of partnering with esteemed companies that attended the summit, fostering an environment of collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
This year's expert panelists, listed in alphabetical order, included:
The 2023 Employer Summit brought together leaders in holistic health education with top industry experts and forward-thinking employers. ACHS is committed to empowering its students and alumni with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed for a successful and fulfilling career in holistic health.
Where to find job postings: