More than 5,000 students and trainees pass through md anderson Every year. But when our diagnostic imaging team tried to offer a full-time job to her senior graduating from the University of Texas, md anderson At the Cancer Center School of Health Professions (SHP), students often accepted roles at the Texas Medical Center and elsewhere in the state.
“Many of these fields lack high-quality academic programs, so our graduates receive the highest quality training from universities. md anderson “Faculty are in high demand by health care employers,” said Dr. Kimberly Hoggatt-Krumwiede, dean of the College of Health Professions.
still md anderson We also need team members with these in-demand skills. As such, several new education programs established in 2023 are creating pathways for students and trainees to progress into full-time roles at the University. md anderson You play an important role in our workforce and support our busy clinical teams.
See the future with MD Anderson
In partnership with SHP, md anderson The Diagnostic Imaging team has launched a pilot program, Student Talent Advancing Retention Success (STARS), for the 2022-2023 academic year. SHP students who participate in the diagnostic imaging program work part-time in a clinic as an assistant imaging technologist or radiologic technologist while taking classes. As they progressed through their coursework and achieved diagnostic imaging qualifications, they were promoted to part-time roles, practicing at the highest level of qualification and gaining valuable experience in the clinic while assisting the DI team with patient care. Once students in the program graduate and pass the board exam, they transition into full-time technician roles.
“This program provided a great opportunity to learn and worry less about what will happen after graduation,” says Alana Morrison, one of the pilot's first 10 participants. “No need to go through the hassle of looking for a job. Once you have finished your school studies and passed your board, you can start md anderson – and we are preparing everything you need to know until then. ”
Our DI team can do more than just connect you with alumni to attract the best new hires. The STARS program also benefits the care team and the students themselves.Because students like Morrison train together. md anderson Experience the culture and best practices in a part-time role, and the transition to a full-time role and fulfilling career is smooth and requires little onboarding.
“Students don’t just receive money for learning; they are entitled to md anderson You will receive benefits such as the Tuition Assistance Program,” said Delalyn Miller, Diagnostic Operations Business Development Director. “This is a great opportunity for our students and for them.” md andersonThis benefits highly sought-after students by creating a pathway to employment. 'The first of her five STARS participants she graduated from SHP in August 2023 and is now a full-time DI employee. Based on the success of the pilot program, SHP doubled the number of participants in her second cohort. Additionally, SHP partnered with Pathology and Laboratory Medicine to implement the STARS program for students within the Clinical Laboratory Science, Cytogenetic Technology, Tissue Engineering and Molecular Genetics Technology programs during the 2023-2024 academic year.
Earn while you learn
In some cases, MD Anderson may not offer a degree or certificate program in a specialty that you need to fill an important role. This is where the Department of Education and Training's Educational Development and Innovation team gets creative and works with groups across MD Anderson to identify opportunities to create external apprenticeships.
This spring, md anderson has begun accepting students for a paid 12-month phlebotomy apprenticeship from the Houston Community College (HCC) Phlebotomy Certification Program. These trainees participate in a structured curriculum at HCC and on-the-job training in collaboration with phlebotomists at MD Anderson. Apprentices are MD Anderson employees and are eligible for benefits, paid time off, and pay increases once they demonstrate proficiency in their skills.
During the second practicum, part of a nursing transformation initiative, three new trainees were trained as patient care technicians, an important role on the care team. Through this program, students in HCC's Certified Nursing Assistant program will study alongside nursing professionals, gain a stable foundation of medical skills, and hopefully lay a foundation as a member of a care team upon graduation.
Victoria Stephen was working as an X-ray technician when her doctor recommended she get training in phlebotomy so she could use other forms of imaging equipment, such as MRI. She started the program at her HCC and is enjoying training every day. md anderson Since she started working at the Diagnostic Testing Center in February,
Stephen has found great benefits in the on-the-job training he receives during his apprenticeship. She is a hands-on learner and is building relationships as she experiences the day-to-day work of a phlebotomist alongside experienced professionals. md anderson Colleagues.
“It’s great to learn and gain valuable skills while interacting with patients and seeing where I can make an impact,” she says. “I want to do whatever I can to put a smile on their faces and brighten their day while they are here. This internship has been such a blessing.”
Promising future for pathway programs
As apprenticeship programs have shown promise, more are being built, including a hospitality and food service apprenticeship program scheduled to launch next year. With so many different pathway programs being created, especially those involving apprentices; md anderson It is becoming a model for how this type of training program can provide high-quality education and benefit both students and healthcare organizations for years to come.
Additionally, by providing support to busy clinical teams, apprentices can help reduce employee workloads at a lower financial cost. md anderson That's because the Texas Workforce Commission will pay a portion of an eligible apprentice's salary.
md anderson Recognized for creating high-quality training programs that support students and prepare for future success, and for efforts to expand the greater Houston area and catering and hospitality provider workforce. Selected as a regional apprenticeship employer. of the Year for the thoughtful construction of a program that will begin in 2024.
“Many skilled trades have been using apprenticeship models for years and we are taking best practices from other programs and applying them to roles that are difficult to recruit for here. . md anderson” said Miranda Phillips, Workforce Innovations program director. “Our Educational Development and Innovation team is dedicated to partnering with the Texas Workforce Commission and area schools and colleges to create opportunities for learners to train with experts in their chosen fields. .”
Learn about MD Anderson's education and training programs.