Pathways Programs
Pathways Programs
The Pathways Programs at UnityPoint Health - Meriter are training programs for high-demand healthcare roles. Our goal is to build a sustainable, diverse workforce that is trained to meet the needs of our community into the future. Whether you are a college student, technical student or current healthcare worker — make a career here.
Gloria Jones-Bey Certified Nursing Assistant Pathways Program
The UnityPoint Health-Meriter Gloria Jones-Bey Certified Nursing Assistant Pathways Program is a workforce development initiative to increase patient care career opportunities, while addressing health inequities by building a team that better reflects a diverse patient population. Gloria Jones-Bey was a Vice President at Meriter Hospital and respected African American nursing professional – which is why this pathways program is named in her honor.
This training program, in partnership with the Center for Healthcare Education and Simulation (CHES), is designed for current team members and community members who are interested in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Training will include direct patient care services.
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.
Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program
In partnership with MedCerts (Online Medical Assistant Program - MedCerts) our Full time Medical Assistant Pathways Program will prepare you to sit for the CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Certification) through the NHA (National Healthcare Association) in as little as 12-16 weeks. Program participants will complete their Pathways Program at one of our Clinic locations to gain hands-on experience.
Timeline
- Next cohort anticipated Fall 2025
Coursework
*Please note all coursework will be completed online
- Professionalism in Allied Health
- Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology
- Clinical Medical Assisting
- Medical office Procedures and Administration
This program is full time for 12-16 weeks. It is a 1.0FTE benefit eligible position. Upon successful completion of the program and certifying exam you will transition into a full time Certified Medical Assistant Position at one of our Clinic locations. Participants will sign a two-year work agreement to work as a Certified Medical Assistant at Meriter
Phlebotomy Pathways Program
The program offers classes and practical training on-site at CHES. Instruction is followed by a clinical experience so students can learn how to draw and work with blood samples at Meriter hospital or clinic.
Watch this video for a first-hand experience of being in the Phlebotomy Pathways Program!
Participants will complete 40 hours of coursework followed by 16 hours of clinical training. Participants may receive academic credits (transcribed) through Edgewood College.
Upcoming 2025 Cohorts:
- Application period: January 27th - February 7th
- Review/Interview applicants: February 10th - 21st
In person class dates at CHES:
- Wednesday, April 2nd - 8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Thursday, April 3rd - 8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Friday, April 4th - 8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Monday, April 7th - 8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Tuesday, April 8th - 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Clinicals:
- Wednesday, April 9th
TBD - Thursday, April 10th
TBD - Friday, April 11th
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.
Surgical Technologist Pathways Program
The Surgical Technologist Pathways Trainee position is an entry level position that facilities the team members access to a Surgical Technologist program through Madison College, supported by UPH-Meriter. Trainees will attend classes at Madison College and work 8 hours per week at UPH-Meriter in increasingly responsible student position in the Main OR and Labor and Delivery departments. The trainee will receive practical work experience that utilizes concepts learned in class to keep trainees engaged and ease their transition to a fast-paced operating room environment.
Surgical Technologist Pathways Program trainees:
- Assemble and prepare necessary equipment, instruments, and supplies for all specialties (i.e., Neuro, Ortho, Spine, General, GYN, Plastics, Urology, ENT, Vascular and Labor and Delivery) based on the understanding of surgical procedures.
- Anticipate and respond to the sequence of events and the surgeon’s intra-operative needs when handling instruments and preparing sutures.
- Function as second assistant during surgical procedure which may include holding retractors or instruments, sponge or suction the operative site, or cut suture material as directed by the surgeon. May maintain drains, tubing, specimens, and prepare and apply sterile dressings.
- Will work in Main OR and Labor and Delivery Departments receiving practical work experience that utilizes concepts learned in class to ease your transition to a fast-paced operating room environment.
The Fall 2025 Application will be open from June 2, 2025-June 13, 2025
New Team Member Orientation on Monday, August 18, 2025 from 8am-4pm.
Completed application material includes:
- Resume (uploaded into online application)
- Madison College Petition Acceptance notification to the Surgical Technologist program (uploaded into online application)
- Unofficial Transcripts (uploaded into online application)
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
- Compensation provided for classroom hours (12 hours a week)
- Flexible schedule and work requirements that are feasible while in school (8 hours a week)
- Qualifies for benefits within UPH-Meriter at a 0.5 FTE
- Eligibility for employment upon Graduation from Surgical Technology Program
How to Apply
Complete the application process and be sure to upload your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are wanting to pursue a career in the Pathways Programs.
Have additional questions? Reach out to the Career Pathways Team at UPH_CareerPathways@unitypoint.org or (608) 417-5622.