Ushering in a New Era: Apprenticeships for Healthcare Staffing

Everyone in the healthcare industry knows that hospitals, doctor’s offices and clinics throughout the nation simply don’t have enough employees. Healthcare staffing has reached a crisis state.

‌The reasons are not surprising. Six in 10 adults in the United States are living with a chronic disease, and four out of 10 are battling two or more chronic diseases, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And more than one in five American adults experience mental health issues, reports the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

‌There’s more. The percentage of older Americans has been rising over the years, with just 8% of the population in 1950 being over the age of 65 to an expected 22% in 2050. An aging community means a greater need for trained healthcare professionals.

‌While searching to fill the growing vacancies, employers in the healthcare industry certainly demand that their prospective employees have the necessary credentials. But that’s only the beginning.

‌Many employers look for people with experience, which can be challenging, especially when so many new professionals right out of school are applying. A healthcare apprenticeship is a solution to the staffing issues that will only get worse.

What Is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship can be defined as on-the-job training received either during or after an individual receives the necessary education and credentials for proper employment. Especially powerful for those looking to enter a new industry like healthcare, apprenticeship opportunities benefit both the worker and the company.

Apprenticeships differ from internships in that the former are usually paid a stipend, while internships are often unpaid. However, each company may have a different structure surrounding their apprenticeship plans.

This “earn and learn” model is a healthcare staffing solution that often translates smoothly into full-time employment.

Benefits of an Apprenticeship Program

Even though the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 15% growth in demand for healthcare workers in the next decade, it’s not always easy for employers to find professionals who can fit in well with their teams.

Apprenticeships, then, have many benefits, including:

• Staffing solutions for high-wage, high-demand jobs

• In-depth understanding of apprentices regarding requirements of specific careers

• Hands-on professional experience with established standards and measured outcomes

• Preparation for full-time employment within a company

For employers, apprenticeships are extremely valuable. They save labor costs by paying a reduced rate while having the opportunity to vet potential employees. If the apprentice proves their value, filling a much-needed position on staff becomes fast and easy. Employers can reduce their turnover and increase their diversity in staffing.

The First Steps Toward a Healthcare Apprenticeship

The first step to finding willing students who are ready to fill vacancies within your company is for healthcare employers to set up an apprenticeship program that clearly defines roles and expectations for those who are new to the industry.

Employers can then work with a highly reputable school with programs in place to support students during the hands-on experience.

‌MedCerts offers registered apprenticeship programs for a wide variety of career paths, including coding, phlebotomy, pharmacy and medical assistance. These on-the-job training opportunities are recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Office, which provides standards and programs designed to meet healthcare staffing needs.

‌To learn more about apprenticeship opportunities, connect with MedCerts’ learning experts today.