Wisconsin, like many other states, is facing significant health care workforce challenges. The uneven distribution of workers, with rural and underserved areas often experiencing the most acute shortages, highlights the need for targeted strategies to ensure access to care. Seeking a creative solution to workforce challenges, Essentia Health unveiled a clinical assistant apprenticeship program.
 
The apprenticeship program provides on-the-job training with a mentor, all while receiving a paycheck. No medical background is required to participate, and the yearlong training is typically completed at the clinic. After training is complete, apprentices are qualified to take their board exam. 
 
The clinical assistant apprenticeship program has been wildly successful at the Essentia Health–Hayward Clinic. Most students do not have any health care experience but are eager to learn and are working independently within weeks. Students start with easier tasks such as taking a patient’s height and weight, but progress to doing blood pressure and other vitals at their own pace.
 
Samantha Jensen was the first apprentice to complete the program and pass the exam and is now a clinical assistant at the Essentia Health-Hayward Clinic. The combination of virtual education and hands-on training prepared Jensen for this next step in her career. Jensen also appreciated that the yearlong program was structured “for me to still be able to be a mom and work.”
 
“Developing our workforce through an apprentice program allows us to invest in our employees and enhance health care in the communities we’re so privileged to serve,” said Beth Young, director of nursing, ambulatory and transitions in care for Essentia’s East Market. “This program is exciting not only because it’s an innovative approach to strengthening our workforce, but also because it allows us to create something unique and give people opportunities that may not have otherwise been available to them.”