Pharmacy technician at work

When people think of health care, they often think of hospitals, medical equipment and medications. But when you ask someone about a specific experience they had as a patient, they remember the caring nurse, the attentive tech or the helpful aide.

While new treatments, tools and medicines continue to improve health care outcomes, at UPMC in Central Pa., we recognize it’s our caregivers and staff who truly make a difference in patients’ lives. Yet finding skilled applicants to fill critical roles is becoming more difficult for all health systems.

The national shortage of nurses is well-documented, but regional health systems also face shortages in other areas, including pharmacy technicians, medical assistants, food service staff and housekeeping staff.

If not addressed, the need for qualified health care employees may cause delays, reduce patient satisfaction and even potentially affect quality and safety.

So UPMC in Central Pa. is taking action — thanks to the generosity of the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation and innovative partnerships with area schools, non-profits and government agencies — to develop the next generation of caregivers and help area residents find a lifetime of meaningful, rewarding and progressive work.

We are also incredibly grateful to the Dauphin County board of commissioners for providing a significant grant to further the reach of these education and career development programs to support Dauphin County residents, including those in underserved areas.

By combining our experience and resources and looking at things creatively with dedicated partners, we’re able to achieve multiple goals: filling critical positions that help ensure UPMC will continue to provide quality care to the community for years to come, helping area residents find meaningful careers, supporting schools and colleges in student recruitment, and contributing to the growth of the region’s economy.

Health care is a growing, dynamic field, with jobs for almost any interest, background or education level. Our programs do not require previous experience or advanced degrees and are available for new graduates from high school to older adults, veterans, and those in underserved and under-represented communities.

Last year, we officially opened the doors to the UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing at UPMC Harrisburg. Offered in partnership with Harrisburg University, this accelerated program allows students to get their registered nurse (RN) diploma in only 16 months. UPMC offers loan forgiveness and a work-study program where eligible nursing students can work around their class schedule while earning their degree.

The UPMC Scholars Program offers opportunities for in-demand jobs like surgery technicians, phlebotomists, medical assistants, radiology technologists, and more, at area schools like Central Penn College. When hired by UPMC after the completion of their courses, they receive payments each pay period that, in total, are equivalent to the full cost of their education. In return, they agree to a multi-year commitment to work at UPMC. In some of these programs, students can even participate in a paid tech-in-training program at UPMC that provides hands-on experience while they complete their certificate or degree.

For area residents who seek a shorter education experience and less classroom time, we offer several programs, including the UPMC Environmental and Food Services Student Training Program. This free program combines five weeks of work-life skills training from HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, and four weeks of paid on-the-job training at UPMC Harrisburg. When students complete the program, they have their choice of job openings in UPMC’s housekeeping or food services areas in central Pennsylvania.

In addition, the UPMC Emergency Medical Technician Academy provides a 10-week training program to entry-level staff. Students in the academy are compensated and provided benefits while learning the necessary skills and knowledge needed to become a certified EMT. And our new 12-month UPMC Urgent Care Assistant Academy teaches primary care skills and urgent care. Here, students also earn a salary and benefits while acquiring new skills.

The economic benefits of our programs extend beyond the value of the job itself. Every dollar spent on these programs results in a significant impact on the region’s economy for years to come as these students age and grow professionally. UPMC’s defined career ladders give employees a clear path to advancement in responsibility and compensation within their chosen fields.

Lou Baverso is president of UPMC in Central Pa.

Become a life-changer with UPMC. To learn more, go to www.careers.UPMC.com.

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