Training from Within

ThedaCare’s own workforce filling internal need for medical assistants.

Medical assistants are becoming critical to health care. “The medical assistant role is growing exponentially, and the pool of applicants is insufficient to meet the demand,” says Sara Bell, director of clinical training & education at ThedaCare.

Seeing an opportunity, ThedaCare reached out to FVTC to design training for existing employees. “FVTC’s Medical Assistant and Business & Industry Services teams helped us create a customized delivery option,” Bell explains.

The innovative program, partially funded by a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, offers online, evening and weekend classes at no cost to the employee.

“We wanted to reach people who may have been unable to achieve this certification without financial support,” notes Nancy Apriesnig, ThedaCare human resources consultant. Upon completion, trainees receive a Medical Assistant Technical Diploma and pledge to work in a new role for two years.

Choosing FVTC was an obvious choice for ThedaCare. “We’ve been long-standing partners with Fox Valley Tech,” Bell adds. “They truly want to see students succeed.” 

The program launched in spring 2019 with 11 students who will complete the program next summer, and plans are underway to train another group.

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Demand for Caregivers

950+ medical assistant job openings in Wisconsin
Source: Indeed.com

29% increase in demand for medical assistants by 2026, resulting in an estimated 183,900 job openings
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics