Door County Medical Center in cooperation with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is making it easier for you to start a new career in the healthcare field. The two organizations announced the Start the Path to a Rewarding Career (SPARC) program on Tuesday to help future Certified Nursing Assistants, Certified Medical Assistants, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Registered Nurses complete the work they need to jumpstart a new occupation. While NWTC will handle the classroom portions of the coursework for the CMA, LPN, and RN programs, Door County Medical Center will be the one providing the hands-on experience in their facilities. All of the CNA training will take place at Door County Medical Center. The hospital is also not just fronting the investment for the training, they are also paying program participants to work during clinical hours. Door County Medical Center Education Coordinator Renee Glesner says she hopes the two organizations can light a spark in the community to address a major need.

You can click this link to learn more about the program and how to apply. Healthcare organizations are looking for creative ways to fill open positions that are being left at high rates. According to a Wolters Kluwer poll done with nursing leaders around the country, 92 percent say the current nursing shortage will intensify over the next 18 months as hospitals battle burnout and retirements.