Episode #332: Preparing Healthcare Students for an AI-Driven Workforce

About this episode

We’re pleased this week to chat with Michael Betz of Covista about tackling the growing healthcare workforce shortage through scalable education and AI-driven innovation. They explore how Covista is leveraging its network of institutions—and a new partnership with Google Cloud—to build an AI-powered classroom that enables more personalized, adaptive learning experiences at scale. 

The conversation also highlights the importance of preparing students with practical AI skills through targeted credentials, ensuring graduates can not only use these tools responsibly but lead innovation in their fields. Ultimately, it’s a call for institutions to move beyond experimentation—focusing on intentional, student-centered implementation that combines technology, iteration, and strong change management to drive real impact.

Guest Name: Michael Betz - Chief Growth & Innovation Officer and President, Walden University

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Michael Betz serves as Chief Growth & Innovation Officer of Covista and President of Walden University. In this expanded role, Betz unites marketing, digital innovation and growth strategy across Covista and its portfolio of institutions—driving greater integration, smarter investment and a more seamless approach to how Covista attracts and engages students.

As President of Walden University, Betz leads an institution serving over 50,000 online learners through doctoral, master's, bachelor's and certificate programs that help students advance their education and address critical workforce shortages. In his enterprise role as Chief Growth & Innovation Officer, he oversees marketing and digital strategy across all five institutions—harnessing artificial intelligence and emerging technology to sharpen Covista's competitive position and accelerate growth.

Betz empowers his teams to strengthen the student experience while expanding Covista's leadership in nursing, medicine and behavioral health education. Through strategic partnerships, advanced technology and integrated marketing, he helps Covista address urgent healthcare workforce needs—from rural healthcare shortages to the growing demand for mental health professionals.

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Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

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