Madison Reporter

UW Health, in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), Madison College, and the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin, has launched a new surgical technology associate’s degree registered apprenticeship. This program is described as the first in the United States to offer all coursework leading to an associate degree and credential eligibility for board certification as a surgical technologist.

The three-year program is initially available to UW Health staff, starting with six students. Participants will complete both academic coursework and hands-on apprenticeship training. Upon graduation and successful completion of board examinations, apprentices can become licensed registered surgical technologists.

Bridgett Willey, director of allied health education and career pathways at UW Health, stated, “Like many health care roles, surgical technologists are in high demand and critical to health care systems’ abilities to provide surgical procedures. Surgical technologists provide care for patients and are an essential part of surgical care.”

According to the DWD Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards, there has been rapid growth in health care apprenticeship programs across Wisconsin as the sector faces ongoing workforce shortages. Since 2018, when Wisconsin’s first health care registered apprenticeship pathway was introduced, UW Health has collaborated with DWD on eight additional pathways including nursing and respiratory therapy—both also being degree-granting programs unique in their fields.

The expansion comes as youth interest grows; more than 2,000 students participated in Health Sciences Youth Apprenticeship pathways during the 2023-24 school year statewide. Of these participants, 50 were placed at UW Health facilities.

Amy Pechacek, secretary of DWD, said: “Closing workforce gaps in health care is vital to both the well-being of our communities and the sustainability of our health care systems. This apprenticeship program opens doors for more individuals to enter high-demand health care fields. The DWD remains committed to collaborating with partners to build and sustain a strong health care workforce for the future.”

Madison College’s dean of the School of Health Education, Marissa Tokarczyk, emphasized her institution’s ongoing commitment: “Our dedication to apprenticeship partnerships continues to grow, and the launch of the surgical technologist registered apprenticeship is a clear example of that progress.” She noted that such collaborations are especially important for incumbent workers who may not otherwise have access to higher education opportunities.

Faculty from Madison College will deliver classroom instruction throughout all phases—from prerequisites through core courses—in this new apprenticeship model. All tuition costs along with books and supplies will be covered during the initial two years by an expansion grant from the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin; UW Health will then support full-time salaries and educational expenses beyond that period.

Willey added: “Like our other apprenticeships, this innovative program will support our existing employees in their career growth and path to higher-paying positions in health care. It benefits our larger community by ensuring that our workforce reflects and better serves the growing needs of our patients.”

During their training period apprentices will work first in materials management or central supply roles before moving into sterile processing duties over their final two years—all while attending classes specific to surgical technology. Graduates who pass their board exams will transition into full-time surgical technologist positions at UW Health.