By: Elisa Arespacochaga, Vice President, American Hospital Association



It is evident that COVID-19 changed the face of the health care workforce. The pandemic has strained hospitals, impacting caregiver well-being and further straining a tight workforce. Even before the pandemic, hospitals and health systems reached out in their communities to develop the future health care team.

Not traditionally common across health care, many hospitals and health systems are realizing the value of investing in apprenticeship programs. These opportunities not only increase pathways into health care careers, they also can appeal to a more diverse audience. Apprenticeships or work commitment awards, for example, assist those who want to advance in their careers but cannot afford to take time off or the cost of higher education.

From initiating career-advancement programs for their own employees to encouraging students to explore health care degrees, to partnering with local community colleges to “earn while they learn,” hospitals and health systems are realizing the value of apprenticeships. States have also gotten involved in sponsoring apprenticeship programs.

At Central Vermont Medical Center, full-time employees can continue earning a salary while taking classes toward their licensed practical nurse degree via partnerships with the Community College of Vermont and Vermont Technical College. To attract students to the field, the USA College of Nursing program is increasing nursing diversity by recruiting, retaining and graduating bachelor of science in nursing students of diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. Mercy College offers hands-on learning, equity scholarships and programing for those looking to become medical assistants or earn their bachelor of science in nursing. Undergraduate students at UC Berkeley can earn academic credit in exchange for serving as unpaid patient navigators.

In the more traditional apprenticeship environment, Freeman Health System’s partnership with Crowder College provides an opportunity for education and employment through a 16-week paid certified medical assistant apprentice program. The Mississippi Apprenticeship Program helps companies across many industries including manufacturing, health care, transportation, utilities and hospitality, regardless of size, develop a Registered Apprenticeship program from the initial concept phase to registration and subsequent implementation within the company.

To help retain team members, Geisinger Commonwealth’s nursing scholars program awards $40,000 in financial support with a five-year work commitment as an inpatient nurse. The goal is to support 175 participants per year. In addition to financial support, Geisinger provides education and well-being resources to employees interested in pursuing a nursing career. Those not currently employed with Geisinger can apply for other positions within the health system and can qualify for the program after one year.

Apprenticeship programs aren’t only for clinical roles within the hospital. In partnership with Dallas College, which was awarded a Department of Labor grant to create and scale apprenticeship programs in health care, AHA, the American Society for Health Care Human Resources Administration and several other organizations are working to develop industry recognized apprenticeship programs (IRAP). 

These programs provide individuals with opportunities to obtain workplace-relevant knowledge and progressively advancing skills. IRAPs combine a paid-work component with an educational component resulting in an industry-recognized credential. Programs under development include health care culinary services, supply chain and facilities management, among others. For additional information or to bring one or more of the IRAPs to your organization, email ASHHRA@ashhra.org or Jeremy.Sadlier@ashhra.org.

The staffing challenges of the last 18 months have highlighted the need for broader recruitment methods, the importance for a diverse workforce and understanding employee needs. Apprenticeships may not solve every issue, but the benefits can make these programs an attractive option for both workers and employers.  

Citations:

Dallas College received federal funding from the Department of Labor to scale apprenticeships in health care under award number HG-33032-19-60-A-48.