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.
The 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. Training will include direct patient care, processes and procedures to assist in supporting a broad range of health care services to our patients. All instruction will be provided on paid time and all instructional materials will be provided by the Meriter Foundation and CHES.
Cohorts begin every fall, spring and summer. The class schedule will be provided to you by email once you are accepted into the program.
Upcoming 2024 cohorts:
- 3/1 applications open; 4/1 applications close
- 4/1 applications open; 4/26 applications close
*Dates and times are subject to change
Schedule for Gloria Jones Bey CNA Cohort 1:
Online Portion starts 6/10
In Person dates and times:
- TUES 6/18: 8:00 - 4:00PM
- TUES 7/9: 8:00 - 3:00PM
- WED 7/10: 8:00 - 3:00PM
- THUR 7/11:8:00 - 5:00PM
- FRI 7/12: 6:30 - 12:30PM
- SAT 7/13: 6:30 - 12:30PM
- MON 7/15: 8:00 - 3:00PM
- TUES 7/16: 8:00 - 3:00PM
- WED 7/17: Exam
Schedule for Gloria Jones Bey CNA Cohort 2:
Online Portion Starts 7/1
In Person dates and times:
- TUES 7/30: 8:00 - 3:00PM
- WED 7/31: 8:00 - 3:00PM
- THUR 8/1:8:00 - 5:00PM
- FRI 8/2: 6:30 - 12:30PM
- SAT 8/3: 6:30 - 12:30PM
- MON 8/5: 8:00 - 3:00PM
- TUES 8/6: 8:00 - 3:00PM
- WED 8/7: Exam
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?
The Gloria Jones-Bey CNA Pathways Program funds education, supportive costs, clinical training and certification exam costs. All instructional materials will be provided by UPH-Meriter Foundation and CHES. You will be provided the following:
- Textbooks
- Lab materials
- Additional instructional resources
- Academic support
- Clinical work attire (e.g., scrubs)
- Compensation is $339.98 biweekly for eight weeks. The stipend is provided in four paychecks.
Apply as a non-employee
If you are accepted into the program:
- You will become a UnityPoint Health - Meriter employee.
- You will be paid to attend the program — 40 hours a week.
- After graduation, a one-year work agreement exists to work as a CNA at UnityPoint Health - Meriter.
Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program
We are partnering with UW Health to provide this training located at the Public Services Commission Building: 610 N. Whitney Way Suite 160, Madison, WI 53705. Parking is free and it is located on a bus line.
You will complete the following courses that will make you eligible to sit for the Medical Assistant Certification Examination (CCMA) through the National Healthcare Association (NHA).
Tuition for the program is 100% covered by UnityPoint Health - Meriter. This program will also cover the cost for you to sit for 1 attempt at the Medical Assistant Certification Examination. Additional expenses, such as transportation to clinics for clinical requirements, are not covered as part of this program. We will provide you with textbooks, laboratory materials, instructional resources, and academic support and tutorial services.
You are paid 40 hours a week while in the training program.
Once you have successfully completed the program you will then apply as an internal candidate to open MA positions that are available.
Apply as a non-employee
If you are accepted into the program:
- You will become a UnityPoint Health - Meriter employee.
- You will be paid to attend the program — 40 hours a week.
- After graduation, a two-year work agreement exists to work as an MA at UnityPoint Health - Meriter.
- 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
* 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
Phlebotomy Pathways Program
Watch this video for a first-hand experience of being in the Phlebotomy Pathways Program!
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 UPH-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.
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 Anna Morgen, Career Pathways Navigator.