UW Health continues to be challenged by a nationwide nursing shortage. Taking a proactive stance, UW Health has created a new RN Apprenticeship Program, designed to grow and diversify the nursing workforce at UW Health while creating new pathways for career advancement and professional growth.

This innovative program creates pathways to employment, training and advancement to join the nursing profession. Local community partnerships, educational support and a focus on diversity are all part of this effort to grow our nursing workforce.

“This Nurse Apprenticeship Program offers a comprehensive growth pathway like nothing we have ever seen before,” said Anne Mork, MS, MHCDS, RN, chief nursing officer, ambulatory and nursing support services. “We are excited to open the doors to employees who have wanted to pursue a career in nursing but could not afford it or take the necessary time away from work for their schooling. This Nurse Apprenticeship Program lets them work while they learn, covering all education expenses. It helps foster a culture of learning, support and professional growth by offering wrap-around support as necessary.”

The RN Apprenticeship Program offers formal classroom learning at Madison College and laboratory skills and on the job training at UW Health. In addition, apprentices have access to:
 

• Academic support services at UW Health and Madison College
• Comprehensive education and career pathway support from Madison College
• A range of other wrap around support services through the UW Health Allied Health Education and Career Pathways, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs
• Additional funding support for wrap around support services through the Department of Workforce Development of South-Central Wisconsin

“I feel very lucky and honored to work for an organization that prioritizes growth and provides a lot of opportunities for you to grow,” stated Autumn Irby, one of the RN apprentices.