Pathways Programs

Cohorts begin every fall, spring and summer, with application periods open each February, April and September.

The class schedule will be provided to you by email once you are accepted into the program.

Upcoming 2024 cohorts:

• 11/1 applications open; 11/20 applications close

*Dates and times are subject to change

Schedule for Gloria Jones Bey CNA Cohort:

Online Portion starts 1/27/25

In Person dates and times:

• THURS 2/6: 8:00 - 2:00PM
• THURS 2/20: 8:00 - 3:30PM
• FRI 2/21:  8:00 - 3:30PM
• THURS 2/27: 8:00 - 3:30PM
• FRI 2/28: 8:00 - 12:30PM
• WED 3/5: 6:30 - 10:00AM
• THURS 3/6: 6:30 - 1:00PM
• SAT 3/8: 6:30 - 1:00PM
• MON 3/10: 8:00 - 3:30PM
• TUES 3/11: 8:30 - 12:30PM
• WED 3/12: Exam Day 8:00 - 12:00PM

Community members with an interest in healthcare are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be:

• At least 16 years old, enrolled in high school or GED equivalent program.
• Qualified to meet CNA program requirements for admission.
• No previous hospital experience required.
• Sign an employee agreement committing to work for UPH-Meriter for at least 12 months at a 0.5FTE or higher as a CNA.

Note: If the Gloria Jones-Bey Certified Nursing Assistant Pathways Program participant is under 18 years of age, they are only eligible to participate in the summer cohorts. They can also accept a Certified Nursing Assistant position in a .2 FTE role or higher after completing the program.

Is there a cost?

Meriter Foundation and CHES provide education, supportive costs, clinical training and certification exam costs. All instructional and laboratory materials will be provided, in addition to academic support and clinical work attire.

If you are accepted into the program:

• You will become a Meriter employee.
• The program is a hybrid (online/in-person) parttime program. You will receive a stipend bi-weekly for the duration of the program (6-8 weeks).
• After graduation, a one-year work agreement exists to work as a CNA at Meriter.
  
  

Timeline

• Applications open: 7/31/2023 - 8/18/2023
• Offers extended week of: 9/18/23 - 9/22/23
• First day of classes: 11/6/2023

Coursework

* Please note these classes will be a hybrid of both online (virtual) and in-person instruction.

• Digital Literacy for Healthcare
• Human Body in Health and Disease
• Medical Office Insurance and Finance
• Medical Terminology
• Pharmacology for Allied Health
• Medical Law, Ethics, and Professionalism
• Communication
• MA Administrative Procedures

Clinical/Lab Experiences:

• MA Clinical Procedures I
• MA Clinical Procedures II
• MA Laboratory Procedures I
• MA Laboratory Procedures II
• Medical Assistant Practicum

Tuition and one attempt at the Medical Assistant Certification Examination is covered by Meriter. Textbooks, laboratory materials, instructional resources, academic support and tutorial services are provided. Additional expenses, such as transportation to clinics for clinical requirements, are not covered.

• You will be paid an hourly rate for 40 hours a week, during the program.
• Once you have successfully completed the program, you can apply as an internal candidate to open MA positions.
• External candidates sign a two-year work agreement to work as an MA at Meriter.

Participants will complete 40 hours of coursework followed by 16 hours of clinical training. Participants may receive academic credits (transcribed) through Edgewood College.

Upcoming 2024 Cohorts:

• 5/13 applications open; 5/24 applications close

Schedule for classes

Classes will be held at CHES

• MON 7/22: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
• TUES 7/23: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
• WED 7/24: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
• THUR 7/25: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
• FRI 7/26: 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Schedule for Clincal

• MON 7/29: TBD
• TUES 7/30: TBD
• WED 7/31: TBD

Community members with an interest in healthcare are encouraged to apply. Applicants must:

• Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Has been a UnityPoint Health-Meriter employee for at least 6 months (internal applicants).
• Has not been on a performance improvement plan within the last 6 months (internal applicants).
• Maintain all eligibility requirements to participate for the duration of the program.
• Sign an employee agreement committing to work for UPH-Meriter for at least 12 months as a phlebotomist.

Is there a cost?

The Phlebotomy Pathways Program funds education, supplemental income, and clinical training. All instructional materials will be provided by Meriter Foundation and the Center for Healthcare Education and Simulation (CHES).

You will be provided the following:

• Textbooks
• Lab materials
• Clinical work attire (e.g. scrubs)
• Starting compensation is $18.32/ hour- 40 hours of coursework followed by 16 hours of clinical training.

The current application is open through July 19, 2024.

Who is eligible?

• Enrolled in Madison College (MATC) Surgical Technologist Associate Degree Program
• BLS certification within 3 months of hire
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills appropriate to the age of the patients served in the perioperative setting
• Knowledgeable in aseptic technique, scrub skills, anatomy, and surgical procedures.
• Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.

Is there a cost?

You will be provided the following:

• Program Tuition
• Textbooks
• Lab materials
• Clinical work attire (e.g. scrubs)
• Compensation provided for classroom hours (12 hours a week) $19.25/hour
• Flexible schedule and work requirements that are feasible while in school (8 hours a week) $19.25/hour
• Qualifies for benefits within UPH-Meriter at a 0.5 FTE
• Eligibility for employment upon Graduation from Surgical Technology Program