TC places at least 35 students in paid summer internships. * Jun 24, 2026 Updated 22 hrs ago Taft College has launched its fourth consecutive summer of paid healthcare internships, continuing a successful and growing partnership with Kern County healthcare providers to prepare the region's future workforce. Through collaboration with education leaders at Adventist Health, Mercy Hospitals, and new partner Kern Health Systems, Taft College has placed more than 35 students in competitive, six-week paid internships this summer. The program provides participants with meaningful, structured learning experiences that include scheduled hospital rounds, professional mentoring, and high-level observational opportunities in healthcare settings. These internships offer Taft College students an important opportunity to explore healthcare careers, build professional connections, and gain firsthand insight into the expectations of clinical environments. The experience is designed to strengthen students' educational pathways while helping address the growing need for qualified healthcare professionals throughout Kern County and beyond. After four summers of successful placements, program outcomes demonstrate that participating students are becoming more competitive applicants for local and regional nursing programs. The professional exposure, clinical insight, and hands-on learning opportunities gained through the internships have proven invaluable as students pursue advanced education and careers in healthcare. "Taft College is deeply grateful to our hospital partners for their commitment to student success and workforce development," said Dr. Sheri Horn-Bunk, Executive Director of the Taft College Foundation and Institutional Advancement. "These internships provide our students with an extraordinary opportunity to learn directly from healthcare professionals, better understand the realities of the field, and take meaningful steps toward careers that will strengthen the health and well-being of our communities." Taft College also extends sincere appreciation to the financial supporters whose generosity makes the program possible: Bank of America, Chevron, Valley Strong Credit Union, the Women's and Girls Fund, Kern Health Systems, The Wonderful Company, and PG&E. Together, these healthcare and community partnerships are helping Taft College develop the next generation of nurses and healthcare professionals while strengthening the regional workforce pipeline for years to come. About the Taft College Foundation The Taft College Foundation is dedicated to supporting student success through fundraising and development of community relationships. Its mission is to advance post-secondary education by supporting the programs and activities of Taft College, which include, but are not limited to, providing funding for building and classroom construction, scholarships, as well as sponsorships for books, educational materials, supplies, equipment, and programs. The Taft College Foundation was recently named as a Neighborhood Builder by Bank of America in recognition of its groundbreaking work providing paid internships for students focused on gaining pre-nursing and allied health work experience with local hospital partners.

Adventist Health Tulare Offering a New, Lifesaving Heart Procedure. * Adventist Health Tulare Offering a New, Lifesaving Heart Procedure May 12, 2026 TULARE, CA - Adventist Health Tulare is expanding access to advanced heart care with the launch of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), also known as coronary angioplasty. This minimally invasive, lifesaving procedure, which treats blocked or narrowed arteries, will allow community members to receive timely treatment close to home without needing to leave the city or undergo open-heart surgery. PCI is a minimally-invasive procedure used to treat coronary artery disease, which is a condition where plaque builds in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This buildup can reduce blood flow, leading to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and an increased risk of heart attack. During the procedure, a cardiologist inserts a thin tube through a blood vessel to reach the heart. A small balloon is then used to open the blocked artery, and a tiny mesh tube, called a stent, is set in place to help keep it open and restore healthy blood flow. As the leading cause of death in the United States, cardiovascular disease continues to impact millions of individuals and families each year. By offering PCI locally, Adventist Health Tulare is taking a significant step toward improving heart health outcomes across the community and surrounding areas. Adventist Health Tulare is licensed for an Elective PCI Program, meaning the hospital meets rigorous standards to safely perform this procedure and has the necessary protocols, training, specialized supplies, and expert care team in place. "This is a transformational moment for cardiac care in our community," said Patrick Hoffman, director of cardiopulmonary services at Adventist Health Central California Network. "The cardiac catheterization lab team in Tulare has been able to diagnose coronary artery disease, but patients often needed to be transferred elsewhere for treatment. With PCI approval, we are no longer limited to just identifying the problem - we can now treat it immediately." Timely care is critical when it comes to heart disease. "In cardiology, time is muscle," said Ankur Gupta, MD, interventional cardiologist at Adventist Health in Central California. "When a patient is experiencing a heart attack or critical coronary blockage, every minute is vital. The ability to open blocked arteries and restore blood flow in real time reduces treatment delays, limits the need for patient transfers, and significantly improves clinical outcomes." The addition of PCI services also ensures patients can remain close to home during critical moments in their care. "This advancement allows our community members to receive comprehensive cardiac treatment surrounded by their loved ones and support systems," Hoffman added. "It reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care that meets national standards." The PCI program will be led by a team of experienced cardiologists, including Drs. Ankur Gupta, Reza Rafie, Shashi Sharma, Atul Singla, and Bikram Soni, along with specially trained nurses and cardiovascular technologists. With this expansion, Adventist Health Tulare strengthens its ability to respond to cardiac emergencies and provide seamless, lifesaving care when seconds count. For more information about cardiac services at Adventist Health Tulare, visit: Adventisthealthcentralca.org/HeartCare Adventist Health Tulare Offering a ... Adventist Health Tulare * Amanda Jaurigui Marketing & Communications Manager * May 12, 2026 * 559-572-6882 * Send Email Business Directory News Releases Events Calendar Hot Deals Job Postings Contact Us * New California Workplace Injury Reporting Requirements * Contact Information * Tulare Chamber of Commerce 220 E. Tulare Ave Tulare, CA 93274 Tel: (559) 686-1547 Fax: (559) 686-4915 [email protected]