In response to the persistent national workforce shortage, the UVM Health Network continues to pioneer innovative solutions designed to offer affordable and accessible career advancement opportunities for current employees and jobseekers. These initiatives both reduce the Network’s reliance on expensive temporary labor and pave the way for achieving full staffing by cultivating a growing base of dedicated and driven employees. Through the development of a more durable and resilient workforce, these programs increase the Network’s capacity to improve patient access and provide the best possible care for the communities of Vermont and northern New York.

The UVM Health Network’s workforce development programs enable employees within the UVM Health Network to earn wages and benefits while pursuing advanced studies to further their career – often with full tuition support or at no out-of-pocket cost.

This approach provides much-needed flexibility for non-traditional learners, effectively removing the common barriers individuals often face when trying to balance life, work and continuing education.

In early 2023, recognizing the need for a dedicated focus on workforce strategies, the UVM Health Network introduced the role of director of workforce development, appointing Jerry Baake as the inaugural holder of this position. Stepping into this newly created role, Baake swiftly began leading efforts to expand the range of programs available to employees and members of local communities.

Partnering with area colleges and universities is a key element of the strategy. “Our collaborations with leading educational institutions provide those passionate about healthcare with unparalleled learning opportunities,” says Baake. “Together, we are bolstering the collective strength and expertise of healthcare professionals in Vermont and northern New York.”

To learn more about the UVM Health Network’s growing suite of workforce development programs and initiatives, visit uvmhealthnetworkcareers.org/training-programs.html.

TRAINING PROGRAMS

The opportunities below are open to everyone and require little to no prior experience.

Surgical Technician (ST) Pathway Program
This nine-month program includes a combination of classroom theory, hands-on lab work and clinical rotations. At the end of the program, students prepare for the NCCT exam to obtain certification.

Phlebotomist Apprenticeship Program
This is a paid, five-week registered apprenticeship program that trains participants to become phlebotomists at UVM Medical Center.

ADVANCEMENT PROGRAMS

The opportunities below are open to UVM Health Network employees looking to advance their career in healthcare.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Pathway Program
This program allows full-time CVMC employees to continue earning a salary while taking classes toward their LPN degree. This program is currently being expanded to additional healthcare partners in Vermont and northern New York.

Registered Nurse (RN) Pathway Program
This program allows full-time CVMC LPN employees to continue earning a salary while studying to complete their Associate of Science in Nursing degree, leading to eligibility for RN licensure. This program is currently being expanded to additional healthcare partners in Vermont and northern New York.

Respiratory Therapy (RT) Pathway Program
This program allows full-time UVMHN employees to continue earning a salary while studying to complete their Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy degree leading to their Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) licensure.

Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Program
This program allows full-time UVMHN employees to continue earning a salary while studying to complete their Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree as a clinical laboratory technician.

Surgical Technologist (ST) Program (New York)
This program allows full-time UVMHN employees of New York partners to continue earning a salary while studying to compete their Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology leading to the Certified Surgical Technician (CST) credential.