Marshfield Medical Center-Ladysmith (MMC-Ladysmith) continues to support and develop the healthcare workforce of Rusk County. MMC-Ladysmith supports nurse interns from a variety of schools, making sure they receive the clinical experience necessary to complete their degree. This effort is especially important as MMC-Ladysmith is the only hospital in Rusk County, therefore the only local place for students to gain experience working in a hospital setting.
 
In addition to these internships, MMC-Ladysmith participates in the Youth Apprenticeship Program. This program offers high school seniors 450 hours of paid hands-on certified nursing assistant experience. The program is flexible, being sure to work around the student’s school schedule and other extra curriculars and allows students to earn money while learning valuable skills. MMC-Ladysmith staff works with the local technical college and the area high schools to provide the CNA training before their apprenticeship starts.  This program provides up to two students with experience in various departments and grows their skills working with patients and families. As a part of the Youth Apprenticeship Program, the MMC-Ladysmith staff also provide mock interviews in the schools to grow students’ skills and prepare them for the workforce.
 
MMC-Ladysmith is regularly engaged with the Rusk County Schools through these programs and through their nurse manager, who is often invited to speak about healthcare careers and educational topics. She answers questions and exposes the students to the many different career options healthcare has to offer and what makes rural healthcare so unique.