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Ariadna Torres Castro and Ignacia Castro Lopez

A UW Health mother–daughter duo is graduating together and starting their careers in patient care together. Ariadna Torres Castro was inspired to get into healthcare by her mother. They both have a passion for helping people and that’s what got them interested in the UW Health Nursing Assistant Apprenticeship Program.

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Christian Shepler

Before Christian Shepler applies to medical school, he wanted to gain firsthand experience working in a hospital with patients. The UW Health Nursing Assistant Training Program has prepared him well for a rewarding career in healthcare.

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The Nursing Assistant (NA) Apprenticeship Program is a training program designed for current UW Health employees, as well as, external applicants. Current employees will receive training on paid work time. External applicants will receive training on paid time. Students will participate in direct patient care tasks, processes, and procedures to assist members of a patient care team in providing a broad range of healthcare services to our patients as Nursing Assistant in a hospital setting.

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Applying to the Program

You can apply as either an internal or external applicant. There is no cost for the program. You are paid 40 hours a week while in the training program. There is a one-year work agreement. If you are applying for the accelerated program you must include your unofficial transcripts.

• Traditional Cohort – a six-week course to obtain your Wisconsin Certified Nursing Assistant.
• Accelerated Cohort – a four-week course, set at a faster pace, to obtain your Wisconsin Certified Nursing Assistant. This cohort is most suitable for those who have at least 60 credits and/or will be going into their junior year of college.

Timeline

July Traditional Cohort (July 13 – August 23)

• Applications accepted: May 4 – May 20

August Traditional Cohort (Aug. 31 – Sept. 25)

• Applications accepted: July 13 – July 27

What is the difference between the accelerated program and the 176-hour program?  

The accelerated program is four weeks long, and the 176-hour program is six weeks long. The curriculum and ability to pass the state skills and knowledge exam are the same. We currently accept 16 students per cohort in accelerated and 176-hour groups. There will be two alternates per cohort in case of last-minute cancellations or other emergencies. This ensures a maximum number of students in each cohort. You will automatically be in the next cohort if you are an alternate. 

How do I know which course to take, accelerated vs. the 176-hour program?  

The accelerated program is designed for those who have at least two full college years and will be a junior in college. You can work independently with studying, time management and learning material quickly. It is a more independent course in the book (didactic) part of the course. If you do not meet the above qualifications, then you should apply for the 176-hour (six-week course) which is more for those who need more time to study both classroom and skills. It is less independent and more hands-on in the classroom setting. Please apply for the correct cohort by looking at the dates for the program that correspond with the cohorts (accelerated vs. 176-hour). Applications that do not meet the criteria for the accelerated cohorts will need to re-apply for the 176-hour once the application window is open. Once the deadline for the application window has passed for a cohort, another window will open for the next cohort to apply. This is how you will know which cohort you are applying for.

How many times a year will a new cohort start? 

Currently, the accelerated is two-three times per year, mainly in the summer months and then a session during winter break, which is geared towards college students. The 176-hour (six-week) course is three-four times per year and is listed on websites. As demand increases, we continuously evaluate new strategies and look at instructor ratios to improve access for everyone.  

What is the process once you apply to the program?  

Once your application is placed, either through the internal job site or the external Careers page, HR will then call you for an interview. Once that is complete and you are recommended to move forward, the NA team will then schedule an interview through Sign up Genius, and you will be notified by email. Dates of when applications are due and interview dates will be posted on The Pulse and Careers page. Once the interview is completed and if you are accepted, then a date to transfer to whatever cohort will be given. External candidates must undergo the normal onboarding process with employee health.   

How do I access the Nursing Assistant Apprenticeship Program Application?  

Internal applicants can search the internal careers page for “Nursing Assistant Training Program”. External applicants can search uwhealth.org/careers for “Nursing Assistant Training Program.”

Who can I contact regarding questions about the Nursing Assistant Apprenticeship Training Program?  

Please email NAProgram@uwhealth.org. No applications will be accepted through this email. No phone calls will be returned.  It might take up to seven days for a response.  Please be patient as we might be teaching. We will respond to every email.

Who is eligible to participate in the program?

• Passes background check and Employee Health Services (EHS) screening.
• Has completed all requirements including interview.
• Has a resume.
• Continues to meet eligibility requirements throughout application process.
• Per Department of Health Services guideline (DHS), must have functional abilities form filled out and approved.
• Must meet UW Health standards for employment.

There is no cost for the program. You are paid 40 hours per week while in the training program. There is a one-year work agreement.

If you enjoy helping patients and are looking for a fulfilling career, you’ll find remarkable opportunities at UW Health. As a valued team member, nursing assistants brighten the day for our patients with a warm smile and exceptional care.

• Provide direct physical care and basic nursing procedures and treatments in accordance with hospital policies and procedures, such as patient transfers, repositioning, and activities of daily living.
  
  
• Demonstrate good interpersonal skills with other hospital staff, visitors, patients, and their family members.

The starting pay for the Nursing Assistant Apprenticeship Program is $18.25 per hour. Pay will be reviewed upon completion of the program and may result in an increase. Current employees accepted into the program will keep their same rate of pay if at or above $18.25 per hour.

Who is eligible to participate in the program?

Any UW Health employee* who meets the following requirements is encouraged to apply:

• Has been a UW Health employee for at least three months.
• Has received no formal/written discipline or been on a performance improvement plan within the last 12 months.
• Continues to meet eligibility requirements throughout participation in the program.
• Per Department of Health Services (DHS) guidelines, must have functional abilities form filled out and approved (will be provided to you by Human Resources after application has been submitted and reviewed.
• Will need to sign a one year commitment letter to UW Health upon successful completion of program.

There is no out-of-pocket cost for current employees to participate in the program. 

The following will be provided:

• Textbook
• Workbook
• First competency exam, both written and skills
• Academic support and tutorial services if needed
• Clinical work attire (e.g., scrubs)
• CPR certification

*Temporary employees, employees-in-training and student employees are not eligible for the paid portion of the NA Program