Health Apprenticeship Program Shows Promise in Marshalltown
During a recent meeting, the Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD) Board of Directors received encouraging news about a healthcare apprenticeship program that is gaining traction in the community.
Shari King, the Administrator of UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown Hospital, along with Jacque Goodman, Vice President of Business and Community Solutions at IVCCD, and Becky Hassett, Director of Programming and Student Support Services, shared insights into the program’s progress.
Thanks to a three-year grant of about $451,878 from Iowa Health Careers Registered Apprenticeship 2.0, IVCCD has established training programs for nursing, phlebotomy, and medical assistants. Goodman noted the strong demand, stating, "We’ve had so much interest that we have a waitlist, with 15 to 20 people eager to enroll."
The program originated through partnerships with UnityPoint Health in Marshalltown and Grinnell, McFarland Clinic, and Hansen Family Hospital in Iowa Falls. Due to increased interest, further collaborations have been formed with additional organizations like Oakview Nursing Home in Conrad and Mayflower Community in Grinnell. McFarland Clinic is ready to launch a pilot program for four or five medical assistants soon.
Hassett emphasized the goal of ensuring that students have job opportunities as they complete their courses, explaining, "We’re making sure students can connect with employers regardless of where they are in their studies."
The initiative kicked off in July, with the first seven apprentices working at UnityPoint – Marshalltown. King highlighted their existing involvement in the nursing program at Marshalltown Community College and the need to expand these efforts. “For healthcare, having a reliable workforce is essential, and we aim to develop that pipeline,” King noted.
The certified nursing assistant (CNA) program remains a priority due to challenges in filling these roles, exacerbated by competition from the state-run Iowa Veterans Home, which offers better salaries and benefits.
“It’s a tough battle,” King remarked humorously, showcasing the challenges faced. The journey to establish the program began after some initial struggles, leading King to seek advice from UnityPoint in Waterloo, which has a similar program. This collaboration helped shape their own structure, culminating in a signing day event at Marshalltown High School to celebrate students completing their CNA coursework.
King recounted, “We ended up signing 10 students, which was more than I expected. Initially, I worried we wouldn’t have enough jobs for everyone, but we found a way to accommodate them.” Of the ten who signed, seven began the program, with one student now pursuing a licensed practical nurse qualification. King highlighted two others as exemplary performers who have received job offers.
“The first six months provided them with hands-on experience and a chance to develop the skills necessary for their roles,” King explained, emphasizing the importance of providing a nurturing environment for students to thrive.
Board member Paul Pohlson inquired about whether apprentices would remain in their CNA roles or move on. King believed that many would transition to other positions, emphasizing that starting as a CNA or phlebotomist provides invaluable experience in patient care, setting the stage for future career growth.
King acknowledged that while some students might not continue in the CNA role, they view the apprenticeship as a stepping stone towards advancement within the healthcare field. “For many, beginning as a CNA is a great way to learn the basics of patient interaction and care. It opens many doors,” she said.
IVCCD President Anne Howsare-Boyens praised King and her team for their persistence in establishing the program despite early difficulties. “The number of organizations joining this initiative is a testament to their dedication," she said.
The promising start of this apprenticeship program suggests that it will continue to play a crucial role in addressing healthcare workforce needs in the Marshalltown area.
