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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 Nurse Aide/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 Nurse Aide/Nursing Assistant in a hospital setting.

Future classes:

• December 19th, 2022- Accelerated Program 
• January 30th, 2023
• May 15th, 2023 – Accelerated program
• June 19th, 2023
• September 10th, 2023

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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.

Nursing Assistant Program Application (pdf)

Apply online at uwhealth.org/careers and search “Nursing Assistant Training Program.”

What is the Nurse Aide Apprenticeship Program?

The Nurse Aide/Nursing Assistant (NA) Apprenticeship Program is a training program designed for current employees who are interested in receiving training on paid work time. The program recently opened to external applicants as well.

Who should participate in the program?

The NA Program has been developed for individuals looking for a professional development and training opportunity to become a Nursing Assistant.

What does the course consist of?

• Interpersonal communication and social interaction
• Basic nursing skills
• Personal care skills
• Basic restorative services
• Rights of clients (patients)
• Dementias

The program shall cover all of the following during the first 16 hours of classroom training before clinicals at the hospital.

• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Infection control
• Safety and emergency procedures
• Promoting residents’ independence
• Residents’ rights

Registry

Eligibility to take the Nurse Aide written and skills examination through the Department of Health Services (DHS).

How will my current employee benefits be impacted if I participate in the program?

If accepted into the program, you transfer into a temporary, 1.0 Career Pathways trainee position for the duration of the program (6 weeks) and while getting a position as a Nursing Assistant at UW Health. The hours are 6:30 am – 3:00 pm M-F for in-person sessions and the hybrid program is two days per week in-person. The knowledge portion is online. Part of the time will be spent in class at the Whitney Way location and at University Hospital for clinical. Pay and benefits will not be impacted with participation in the program. Upon successful completion of the program and placement on registry, participants will be placed on units throughout the hospital in available NA positions.

For any questions regarding pay and/or benefits, please contact the HR Service Center through a service request in HR Help Desk or (608) 263-6500, Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 5:00 pm.

Who is eligible to participate in the program?

• Passes background check and Employee Health Services (EHS) screening.
• Has completed all requirements including interview.
• Has earned a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Has resume and references.
• Must have taken a Medical Terminology class in last five years.
• Continues to meet eligibility requirements throughout application process.
• Applicants must be 18 years of age (or 17 with requirements).
• Per Department of Health Services guideline (DHS), must have functional abilities form filled out and approved.

Nursing Assistant Program Application (pdf)

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 Nursing Assistants at UW Health is $17.80 per hour. UW Health offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Work experience that is relevant to the position will be taken into consideration when determining the starting base pay.

Who is eligible to participate in the program?

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

• Has a 0.9 FTE or greater appointment.
• Has successfully passed a medical terminology class (This program has a self-paced, online course you can take prior to the NA program. Please speak to NA program manager for more information).
• Has been a UW Health employee for at least one year.
• Has received no formal/written discipline or been on a performance improvement plan within the last 12 months.
• Has earned a high school diploma or equivalent.
• A Leader Statement of Support Form submitted by their current Supervisor.
• Continues to meet eligibility requirements throughout participation in the 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)

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

To apply:

Nursing Assistant Program Application (pdf)