A collaborative program at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital is helping high school students begin careers in the medical field, and it’s made possible through a partnership with a local college and philanthropic support.
Through the Directing Youth Navigating a Medical Career in the Community (DYNAMIC) Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Apprenticeship Program, local students can earn a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate at Harper College while starting work at Advocate Good Shepherd.
Advocate Good Shepherd covers the cost for the CNA certificate and works to secure a CNA position at the hospital upon successful completion of the program. This “earn while you learn model” removes financial obstacles for those who otherwise would not be able to take CNA courses and provides interested candidates with the building blocks for a career in healthcare.
Kelly Martinez, an Emergency Department tech at Advocate Good Shepherd, was a recipient of the DYNAMIC Apprenticeship and recently shared her experience with high school students at a celebration of National Apprenticeship Week at the college. Advocate Good Shepherd was among the organizations recognized for their impactful apprenticeship programs.
Kelly emphasized how programs like DYNAMIC can be the start to a great career and even provide the opportunity to explore the numerous careers that health care has to offer.
“Starting to work as a transporter at Advocate Good Shepherd while I was still going to Harper was great. It let me see so many different departments in the hospital and build relationships with people,” she said.
How you can help
Because of the generosity of donors to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, careers in the medical field are more accessible to students for whom the cost may be prohibitive.
“Donor support has been a key success factor in the program, and future donor support can ensure the sustainability of it,” explained Rafael Malpica, Director for Hospital Programs for Advocate Good Shepherd and Advocate Condell Medical Center. “The impact philanthropy has on students is palpable through this program. You can see it in their eyes -this is not just a job, but truly the start of the career of their dreams.”
You can help more students begin careers in medicine by donating to the Nursing Excellence fund at Advocate Good Shepherd.