Advocate Health and Herzing University: Building Healthcare Career Pathways Together
Since 2020, Advocate Health has collaborated with Herzing University to create innovative educational pathways that strengthen healthcare delivery in Wisconsin and Illinois communities. Through specialized programs, Advocate Health employees can advance their careers while filling critical healthcare roles.
"Herzing is an excellent partner for workforce development, providing educational opportunities that benefit the hospitals and clinics in our communities," says Thea Wasil, Workforce Development Program Manager at Advocate Health. "Through this partnership, our programs help teammates grow and fill essential roles."
Transformative Educational Programs
The partnership has yielded remarkable success through two flagship programs:
The Herzing Medical Assistant Program, launched in 2022, enables support service team members to transition into medical assistant positions through an accelerated 10-month curriculum. Over the past two years, more than 50 medical assistants have graduated and continue to serve in Advocate Health clinics.
The Sterile Processing to Surgical Technologist program, initiated in 2021, offers a 26-month pathway for employees to advance into surgical technologist roles. By December 2024, 21 team members will have completed the program, with 30 more scheduled to graduate by 2026.
Community Impact and Future Growth
The partnership strengthens Advocate Health's mission of providing quality healthcare while creating career opportunities for local community members.
"The most memorable experiences have been seeing our teammates thrive and be fulfilled in their work in the new roles they achieved through these programs," Wasil reflects. "They are making a direct impact on the lives of our patients through their daily interactions."
Looking ahead, Advocate Health plans to explore new partnership programs with Herzing University and potentially expand current programs to their other markets.
"The team at Herzing is dedicated to making our experience smooth and rewarding," says Wasil. "As needs arise, we look forward to developing new educational pathways together."