Students enrolled in the Healthcare Assistant course at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) Training School have been promised a premier learning experience that bridges the gap between theory and practice.

The assurance was delivered by JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Okise during a welcome meeting for the Healthcare Assistant “Class of 2026,” who joined the institution for the January intake. Dr. Okise emphasized that the school’s model blends rigorous classroom instruction with hands-on hospital practice to develop competent and compassionate professionals.

According to Dr. Okise, training within a referral hospital provides students with unique exposure to real-life clinical situations. Under supervised practice, students interact directly with patients and work alongside medical specialists to build professional confidence.

“Quality healthcare is rooted in respect for patient dignity,” Dr. Okise told the learners, urging them to uphold the core values of professionalism, empathy, and integrity throughout their careers.

This latest group of 25 students marks the fourth cohort of the Healthcare Assistant course since the training school’s inception. The six-month program is evolving to meet modern demands; the CEO highlighted new plans to integrate Information Technology training, specifically aligning student learning with JOOTRH’s Hospital Management Information System (HMIS).

In boosting the new students, Dr. Okise revealed that graduates of the JOOTRH Training School will receive first priority for employment opportunities within the hospital. To support this growing workforce, the hospital is also planning to expand the school’s physical infrastructure.

Beyond the Healthcare Assistant program, the JOOTRH Training School continues to offer a diverse curriculum, including, Higher Diplomas in Nephrology and Critical Care Nursing. It also offers Certificate Courses in Perioperative Theatre Technology, Emergency Medical Technology, and Healthcare Assistance.