Kirtland Community College and Munson Healthcare Forge Innovative Partnership, Paving the Way for Surgical Technology Students with Paid Clinical Studies and Accelerated Career Paths
Kirtland Community College’s Surgical Technology program has teamed up with Munson Healthcare to create a pipeline for students entering into the Surgical Technology program. Students enrolled in the new apprenticeship program will now have an opportunity to receive payment, while conducting their clinical studies at any Munson hospital in northern Michigan.
“This is an incredible opportunity for our Surgical Technology students to not only get paid while they are in school, but also to have a job and a sign on bonus waiting for them upon graduation,” said Nicole Claussen, Program Director of Kirtland’s Surgical Technology program.
Surgical Technologists are integral members of the healthcare team. Working alongside surgeons, nurses, and other professionals before and during surgeries, surgical technologists are involved in many hospital operations. Their responsibilities include preparing the operating room, setting up surgical equipment, passing instruments and supplies to surgeons, managing surgical equipment, and assisting during procedures, including robotic surgeries. This new partnership will provide opportunities for clinical advancement, allowing individuals to learn and grow within the surgical team and the broader Munson Healthcare organization.
The partnership between Kirtland and Munson Healthcare will offer a streamlined path that takes just two years, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. The Surgical Technologist Apprenticeship program provides a unique opportunity to work within Munson Healthcare, offering job benefits (for both full-time and part-time roles) and tuition reimbursement to assist with educational expenses. The flexible program allows participants to start working before beginning their clinicals.
“At Munson Healthcare, we’re thrilled to collaborate with Kirtland Community College on this innovative apprenticeship program. By offering aspiring surgical technologists the chance to gain practical experience within our healthcare system, we’re not only investing in the future of our workforce but also ensuring the delivery of high-quality care to our communities. This partnership reflects our commitment to nurturing talent, fostering growth, and ultimately, enhancing patient outcomes,” said Shelley Spencer, Chief Human Resources Officer of Munson Healthcare. As part of the program, aspiring Surgical Technologists can choose to become an operating room technician at Munson Healthcare. This position, available before starting classes or at any point during the educational journey, offers full-time or part-time employment with benefits, including tuition reimbursement.
Students interested in the program must apply for the Surg Tech Apprenticeship Program, where when accepted, students receive payment as an apprentice during their clinical hours in the operating room. Munson Healthcare also will provide students in the program a $10,000 early hire bonus, with $5,000 distributed during the apprenticeship and an additional $5,000 upon starting as a Certified Surgical Technologist.
Upon graduation, participants can transition into a Graduate Surgical Technologist role as they continue preparations for the certification exam. After successfully completing the certification exam, individuals can secure a full-time position as a Certified Surgical Technologist in a Munson Healthcare operating room.
Munson Healthcare stands out as an employer of choice, with core values centered around Improving Lives through excellence, exceptional experiences, creativity, positivity, and team work. The organization is committed to providing a supportive and collaborative work environment that encourages professional growth and development.
“In my 21-year history as Certified Surgical Technologist, I can’t remember a better time to enter this field with these types of incentives being offered. It’s an amazing healthcare career and I’ve seen it change the lives of students that have graduated from our program,” said Claussen.
For those with questions about prerequisites or the program contact Nicole Claussen at (989) 275 – 5000, Ext. 780 or email [email protected].
