Apprenticeship Program Offers Career Pathways to NYC High School Students
The healthcare market across the country has been facing a shortage of talent, an issue that has also affected MSK. After noticing a decline in job applicants for certain positions, especially in radiology where there are two job openings for every one available hire, MSK launched a first-of-its-kind, modern youth apprenticeship program to support talent acquisition. Through its partnership with CareerWise New York, MSK is giving New York City high school students the unique opportunity to jump start their future careers in healthcare, while being paid for their training. Many of these students may move on to full-time jobs with MSK.
Preparing a Pipeline
The Apprenticeship Program serves as a pipeline to recruit and retain highly skilled candidates who are work-ready on day one and provides a pathway to a future career in healthcare. In 2021, MSK welcomed two apprentices in Supply Chain and has since expanded the program to include apprentices in Development, Finance, and Radiology, where an inaugural cohort of 11 apprentices were recently welcomed. Most apprentices are high school juniors and seniors.
“MSK is the first healthcare institution in New York City with an apprenticeship program in Radiology, and one of the first to build a clinical career pathway for apprentices,” says Jenna Sandker, Director of Talent Acquisition. “We are creating economic advancement opportunities by helping these students come into a professional work environment and get real, on-the-job training so they can progress through into a full-time role or pursue formal education using tuition assistance.”
Sarah Thoresen, Manager of Workforce Programs, partnered closely with the CareerWise team to select apprentices attending participating New York City public high schools. “We identified skills and academic performance metrics to help select students who will succeed in an associate’s degree program for Radiology, which will include a heavy focus on science and math,” Sarah says.
Prior to joining MSK, every apprentice receives basic professional development training from CareerWise where they learn everything from the importance of showing up to work on time to how to write an email and answer a phone in a professional, appropriate way. Apprentices must also complete mandatory training and department onboarding through MSK.
MSK is particularly excited about the future pipeline created by welcoming the new cohort of radiology apprentices. Radiology is a growing field with a projected growth rate of 16% in New York City through 2030. It’s also an area where MSK identified the need for a pipeline of ready-to-work talent. The process for becoming a radiologic technologist is multifaceted. An individual must complete a minimum of an associate's degree, fulfill clinical requirements and demonstrate competency, become certified through The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, and be licensed in the state of practice.
Once licensed, radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging exams to help doctors diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. They can also then pursue 15 different credentialing options or more advanced education.
Jessica Gibbs, Radiology Education Coordinator, who has been at MSK for seven years, will help manage the apprentices. “Students will jumpstart their careers by learning the technical expertise needed as a radiologic technologist while also ensuring a steady supply of skilled workers for our department,” Jessica says. “We can also see this program reducing turnover by improving company loyalty and providing another outlet for MSK to connect with the community by addressing generational health disparities and empowering a diverse, culturally competent, highly skilled workforce.”
Learning from the Best
Apprentices work at MSK after school and are paid for their work just like any other MSK employee. Each apprentice must commit to the program for three years and may take advantage of MSK’s tuition assistance program to pursue further education, most of which is covered if they enroll in a partner program.
Radiology apprentices work as radiology aides while they simultaneously complete their prerequisite courses and then attend a radiography program at one of the local schools with which MSK has partnered. They will rotate among MSK’s Manhattan campuses and learn how Radiology operates and how they can best support the team to ensure smooth and efficient functioning throughout the day.
“While they are working as radiology aides, they will truly become integrated into our department and learn various aspects of medical imaging procedures and equipment, including basic familiarity with the equipment, infection control, how to assist patients during procedures, position and transfer them, and provide support and reassurance during the process,” says Jessica. “Apprentices will also help with inventory control by monitoring supply stock, removing expired products, and helping to place supply orders. They will also learn the importance of maintaining accurate medical records and ensuring patient confidentiality in compliance with healthcare regulations.”
Once they graduate from high school, apprentices will work part time at MSK while completing Radiologic technologist prerequisite courses. In early 2025, they will enroll in radiologic technologist coursework while completing their clinical hours at MSK.
Focused on the Future
The Apprenticeship program is an innovative way to enhance the future for both MSK and the program’s deserving students, who bring fresh perspectives and enhance the overall productivity and effectiveness of radiology services.
“We have amazing, forward-thinking leadership in the Radiology department who encourage a culture of learning and adaptability,” Jessica says. “We are inspired by their commitment to employee development and hope that it serves to maintain high morale and retention rates among staff.”
The job outlook for radiologic technologists is extremely promising with market indicators pointing to the 10-year rate of job growth outpacing many other healthcare careers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“We are preparing the apprentices to be excellent candidates in a field that provides a clear path to economic mobility, is resistant to automation or outsourcing, and is needed in every area of the country,” Jessica says. “This is part of our intentional steps to address our recruitment needs for the next phase of MSK’s growth.”
Although the program is creating a beneficial pipeline of talent for MSK, it also immensely benefits the student participants. “We’ve given these students a plan,” Jenna says. “We are helping them to find the right career fit and making a lifelong impact on their futures as well as MSK’s future.”
Radiology Apprentices At Work