The Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD) healthcare apprenticeship program has made significant strides in addressing the critical workforce shortage in the healthcare industry. Supported by a three-year $451,878 grant from Iowa Health Careers Registered Apprenticeship 2.0, the program has surpassed initial expectations in its inaugural year. Designed to train aspiring healthcare professionals in fields like nursing, phlebotomy, and medical assisting, the program has seen remarkable progress and overwhelming interest.
Program Overview and Initial Success
Surpassing Expectations
The IVCCD healthcare apprenticeship program has exceeded its initial goals, demonstrating the high demand for healthcare training. During a regular monthly meeting, the IVCCD Board of Directors received an update on the program’s progress. Key stakeholders, including UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown Hospital Administrator Shari King, IVCCD Business and Community Solutions Vice President Jacque Goodman, and Director of Programming and Student Support Services Becky Hassett, presented the program’s successes and challenges.
Goodman noted that the excitement around the program was palpable, with demand for enrollment far exceeding capacity and leading to waitlists with 15 to 20 participants eager to join. The program’s partnerships initially included UnityPoint Health facilities in Marshalltown and Grinnell, McFarland Clinic, and Hansen Family Hospital in Iowa Falls. In response to the overwhelming interest, further collaborations were formed with Oakview Nursing Home in Conrad and Mayflower Community in Grinnell. Additionally, McFarland Clinic is set to launch a pilot program for four to five medical assistants, enhancing the program’s reach and impact.
Overwhelming Interest and Partnerships
Goodman highlighted that the program’s flexibility allowed students to receive training at various sites, facilitating a seamless transition from education to employment. The partnerships with healthcare providers ensured diverse opportunities and placements, underscoring the program’s commitment to addressing the healthcare workforce shortage. This collaborative approach enabled students to gain hands-on experience and secure employment, aligning with the industry’s high standards for patient care and professional development.
Hassett emphasized that the program’s strategy ensured that students, regardless of their class locations, received ample opportunities to secure employment. This flexibility was integral to the program’s design, recognizing that healthcare needs are widespread and not confined to specific geographic areas. With the first batch of seven apprentices commencing work with UnityPoint – Marshalltown in July, the program marked a significant milestone and set a precedent for future success.
Flexibility and Employment Opportunities
Seamless Transition to Employment
The ability for students to transition smoothly into their professional roles was a cornerstone of the IVCCD healthcare apprenticeship program. Hassett explained that this seamless transition was facilitated by the program’s structured approach, which allowed students to complete their classes at different locations and immediately begin working in their trained roles. The inaugural group of seven apprentices who began working with UnityPoint – Marshalltown in July exemplified this successful transition, making a noteworthy impact in their new positions.
King elaborated on UnityPoint Health’s longstanding involvement with nursing programs at Marshalltown Community College and the expanded involvement through the apprenticeship program. By focusing on developing a robust workforce pipeline, particularly in the face of pronounced staffing challenges, the program aimed to fill critical roles in the healthcare sector. The certified nursing assistant (CNA) program received special attention, with persistent difficulties in filling these essential positions at the Marshalltown hospital highlighting the pressing need for skilled professionals.
Expanding Involvement and Workforce Pipeline
King emphasized the critical role of the CNA program in addressing the healthcare workforce shortage. Despite the competitive recruitment environment, the apprenticeship program’s structured approach and partnerships enabled it to attract and train skilled professionals. King noted that collaboration with UnityPoint in Waterloo offered valuable insights that helped shape the IVCCD program. This collaboration was instrumental in overcoming initial uncertainties and guiding the program towards success.
The program drew inspiration from a similar initiative at the Waterloo Career Center, which conducted a signing-day event at Marshalltown High School (MHS) in May. This event, similar to recruitment ceremonies for high school athletes, saw ten students who had completed their CNA coursework sign up, exceeding expectations and serving as a testament to the program’s appeal and effectiveness. Out of the ten students, seven began their roles, with one aspiring to become a licensed practical nurse and others receiving recognition for their exemplary performance.
Addressing Recruitment Challenges
Competitive Recruitment Environment
King pointed out that some of the recruitment challenges stemmed from competition with the Iowa Veterans Home, which offers superior wages and benefits. This competitive recruitment environment posed significant challenges, making it difficult to attract and retain qualified CNAs. However, the apprenticeship program’s comprehensive training and support aimed to mitigate these challenges by equipping participants with the skills and experience needed to succeed in the healthcare industry.
Despite the tough recruitment environment, the program’s structured training and support network enabled it to attract dedicated individuals committed to pursuing careers in healthcare. King humorously acknowledged the competitive nature of recruitment, underscoring the importance of creating a supportive and engaging environment for apprentices. By providing hands-on experience and professional development opportunities, the program sought to prepare participants for long-term success in the healthcare sector.
Signing-Day Event and Student Success
The signing-day event at MHS symbolized the program’s commitment to fostering a sense of achievement and pride among its participants. By emulating the celebratory nature of athletic recruitment ceremonies, the program aimed to elevate the significance of healthcare careers and attract motivated individuals. The success of the event, with seven apprentices beginning their new roles and one advancing towards becoming a licensed practical nurse, highlighted the program’s impact and potential for further growth.
King acknowledged that while not every participant might be a perfect fit for their roles, the program aimed to provide as much support and growth opportunities as possible to help them succeed. The apprenticeship program created pathways for students to advance and refine their skills, making meaningful contributions to the healthcare sector. Whether participants saw their CNA roles as a stepping stone or a long-term career, the program sought to offer valuable experience and development.
Career Advancement and Support
Stepping Stone to Advanced Roles
Many apprentices viewed the CNA role as a stepping stone to further career advancements in healthcare. King explained that the foundational patient care skills gained in the CNA role were invaluable, serving as a launching pad for more specialized positions. By providing comprehensive training and support, the program aimed to equip participants with the skills and confidence needed to pursue advanced roles, ultimately contributing to a skilled and diverse healthcare workforce.
The career development opportunities offered by the apprenticeship program were critical in addressing the healthcare workforce shortage. By creating pathways for career advancement, the program aimed to retain skilled professionals and enhance the overall quality of care. King’s emphasis on the importance of foundational skills and professional growth underscored the program’s commitment to nurturing a dedicated and skilled healthcare workforce.
Long-Term Career Prospects
King observed that while some CNAs pursued long-term careers in this field, leveraging their skills and passion for patient care, others used it as a launch pad for more advanced healthcare roles. Board member Paul Pohlson’s question about whether apprentices were expected to remain in their CNA roles or move on to other positions highlighted the program’s focus on career progression. King anticipated that most apprentices would eventually transition to other roles, given that CNA positions often serve as entry points into the healthcare profession.
IVCCD President Anne Howsare-Boyens commended King and the team for their perseverance in overcoming the initial challenges of launching the apprenticeship program. She acknowledged the broad coalition of organizations that joined the program due to the dedicated efforts of the team. The recognition of these efforts underscored the program’s significance in addressing the healthcare workforce shortage and its potential for continued success.
Recognition and Future Expansion
Overcoming Initial Challenges
The IVCCD healthcare apprenticeship program successfully overcame its initial challenges, thanks to the dedicated efforts of its team and the support of its partners. President Howsare-Boyens praised the program for its ability to adapt and evolve, recognizing the hard work and commitment of everyone involved. This recognition was essential in highlighting the program’s achievements and motivating its continued growth and expansion.
As the program continued to evolve, it aimed to build on its success and further address the healthcare workforce shortage. The involvement of key stakeholders and the establishment of strong partnerships played a crucial role in its achievements. By focusing on collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment, the program aimed to make an even greater impact in the future, supporting the development of a skilled and dedicated healthcare workforce.
Continued Support and Impact
The Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD) healthcare apprenticeship program has made notable progress in tackling the severe workforce shortage within the healthcare sector. Supported by a three-year, $451,878 grant from the Iowa Health Careers Registered Apprenticeship 2.0, the program has exceeded initial goals in its first year. It is specifically designed to train aspiring healthcare professionals in areas such as nursing, phlebotomy, and medical assisting.
Established to address the growing demand for skilled healthcare workers, the program has attracted wide interest and participation. The array of disciplines covered ensures comprehensive training for various healthcare roles, preparing participants to fill crucial gaps in the workforce. Additionally, this effort marks a significant step toward ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified healthcare professionals to meet the needs of the community.
The overwhelming interest and notable achievements of the program reflect its importance and impact in generating skilled professionals, thereby contributing significantly to the healthcare sector’s robustness and sustainability.
