In 2021, Ocean Springs, Miss.-based Singing River Health System launched the state’s first medical apprenticeship program.
The Singing River Healthcare Academy was developed in response to the nursing shortage intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the goals of addressing workforce gaps, strengthening talent pipelines and expanding access to care.
It began with two cohorts and has since grown. In June, the academy finalized its move into a new facility that can accommodate up to 250 students.
“There were times we were getting ready to have to shut floors down,” Jessica Lewis, chief human resources officer of Singing River Health System, told Becker’s, detailing how the academy has improved access to care. “We’ve been able to keep these floors open, expand and sustain being able to serve our community because of these programs.”
How it works
The academy offers apprenticeships for roles including certified nursing assistant, licensed practical nurse, medical assistant, phlebotomy technician, pharmaceutical technician and surgical technologist. Participants split their time between classroom learning and hands-on work with the health system. After completing the program and passing certification exams, qualified graduates are offered immediate employment.
The model was inspired by a chemical engineering apprenticeship; Ms. Lewis has a background in the field.
Participants come from diverse backgrounds with respect to their age and location, Stephanie Utesch, director of HR operations, told Becker’s. Many are drawn to the program’s earn-as-you-learn model.
“Some are coming from out of state, some are coming from different career fields,” Ms. Utesch said. “Others are currently enrolled in traditional schooling and they see this as an opportunity to have a one-stop shop — to work and have their tuition paid to become educated in licensed practical nursing, certified nursing assistant, or medical assistant.”
Filling gaps, building pipelines
Program leaders begin by analyzing projections for the five programs with the greatest workforce needs. The goal is to recruit at least 50% of those positions through the academy. Rather than competing with local schools, the program complements them through strategic partnerships.
“It’s helping us in a lot of our critical shortages because we’re able to constantly feed that pipeline to train individuals, and then have them ready to be on the floor,” Ms. Lewis said. “On top of that, it gives them at least four to 10 times more clinical experience than what students receive externally.”
Long-term career development is also a core focus. Program leaders aim to show entry-level employees clear growth pathways within the health system.
“It’s great that we pull people into healthcare, but how can we show them that they can continually grow and be able to help support their family?” Ms. Lewis said.
Leadership development is another key component. For example, the academy’s LPN program targets current employees — including nurses and technicians — for advancement opportunities. Singing River partners with a local junior college to provide classroom instruction while the system handles clinical training.
The academy is also exploring nonclinical tracks, including medical terminology and Epic EHR certifications.
Leaders are working to introduce early pipelines by helping students become certified in CNA, medical assistant and phlebotomy roles before graduating high school, Ms. Utesch said.
Ms. Lewis added that Generation Z healthcare workers want to know their career plan and how to get there.
“We are trying to adapt to the needs of these new generations,” she said. “If we don’t adapt, you’re going to lose them to someone else who is.”
The apprenticeship program is designed to support the workforce beyond Singing River, Ms. Utesch said.
“What we’ve learned quickly is that we are here to pivot according to not just the needs of Singing River Health System, but also to the needs of the state,” she said. “Whatever the shortage is out there, we can develop these apprenticeship program models around it. It’s the model itself that is the golden opportunity.”
