Many people would like to work in healthcare but don’t know how to get started. Our new apprentice program can help. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 15 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.4 million new jobs.” At Swedish, we’ve recently began offering a new Intro to Healthcare and Healthcare Apprentice Program (IHAP) for job seekers who want to kickstart their healthcare careers.

In partnership with Seattle Jobs Initiative, this new virtual program is a three-step pathway that provides tactical support such as resume building and digital literacy, as well as training in interpersonal skills such as stress management, teamwork, communication and conflict resolution.

The program goes beyond addressing an immediate need for a job and focuses on setting up students for a career that will serve them throughout their lives.

The first step of IHAP is a three-week training based on GrowHire curriculum, preparing participants for entry-level jobs in nutrition, environmental services, materials supply chain and sitter positions on a path to career advancement. The second step is a Nursing Assistant Certified training, which prepares participants for entry-level sitter and NA-C positions.

The final step is preparation for apprenticeship programs for participants selected for Medical Assistant Apprenticeships, Sterile Processing Apprenticeships and Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeships.

Following is a list of topics covered by week.

Week One:

• Welcome: Why Healthcare
• Communication
• Working With my Team
• Cultural Humility
• Presenting my Strengths to get the job

Week Two:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• The Interview Process
• Application and Online Portal
• Food worker card

Week Three:

• Mock Interviews
• What Fits in the Workplace
• Customer Service in Healthcare
• Medical Math
• Medical Terminology

If you or someone you know is interested in beginning a career in healthcare, you’ll find more information about the IHAP program, including how to apply, here.