Lincoln Land Community College and Memorial Health are partnering to offer a one-year, Department of Labor approved, paid apprenticeship program to train sterile processing technicians (SPTs).
SPTs are allied health professionals responsible for the sterilization, assembly and ordering of equipment used by physicians and nurses during medical procedures, including surgeries.
Interested individuals will first apply for admission to the 16-week central sterile service certificate program at LLCC. During this program, if students are interested in the apprenticeship option, they will have the opportunity to participate in a competitive selection process in order to earn their apprenticeship. The apprenticeship program will allow students to receive on-the-job, paid training at Memorial Health. A job with Memorial Health is targeted upon successful completion of the one-year apprenticeship.
“Sterile processing technicians are a vital part of the surgical and medical team and are in high demand,” said Dr. Cynthia Maskey, dean of health professions at LLCC. “They also gain experience that can put them on a career path to becoming a surgical technologist, registered nurse or other health care professional.”
“We’re pleased to partner with LLCC to offer individuals an opportunity to enter a health care career in a short amount of time and be paid while training,” said Dr. Elisabeth Klar, Memorial Health senior vice president and chief human resource officer. “Students who have just completed high school, as well as adults looking to start or change careers, are eligible to participate in this apprenticeship program, with a targeted job after completion.”
The program begins in late August. Interested individuals should first apply to LLCC (www.llcc.edu/apply). After being accepted to the program, they will then apply for the paid apprenticeship through Memorial Health. A four-week timeline is required for a background check, drug screen, physical and interview/job shadow. Participants will commit to one year of employment with Memorial Health upon program completion.
More information is available at www.llcc.edu/csst, by emailing brenda.elliott@llcc.edu or calling 217-786-2326.
Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
