Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Launches Inclusive Health Care Professional Training Academy to Improve Access to Employment Opportunities

Nov. 15, 2024

Today, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) is excited to announce the launch of its Allied Healthcare Academy, aimed at providing free and tailored training programs and extending support for those who have historically faced barriers to entering the health care field–from those who identify as neurodivergent, people who may face socioeconomic challenges, and more. The program aligns with VMFH’s organizational commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and its social responsibility to create access and opportunity for all people.

“With the Allied Healthcare Academy, embracing diversity is not just an opportunity; it is a vital component of our commitment to providing exceptional care,” noted Dianne Aroh, Chief Nursing Officer, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. “We are building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and meets the needs of every patient and team member. An inclusive workforce harnesses the unique strengths of every individual, ensuring that we can serve our communities with innovation, empathy and understanding.” 

It is estimated that 15-20% of the world's population is neurodivergent, which is most commonly defined as an individual whose brain develops or works differently than what some consider “neurotypical.” According to the Cleveland Clinic, conditions like ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, and dyslexia all fall within the spectrum of “neurodiversity” and are all neurodiverse conditions. 

The Allied Healthcare Academy will offer accommodations for different learning needs. For example, varied instructional formats, focus on grade level of the content being delivered, captions for the visual learner, writing and support coaches, flexibility in time to complete assignments, and more. Most of the content will be provided virtually with in-person learning as needed, including training at VMFH facilities. 

The cost of training and other socioeconomic barriers serve as other top deterrents for those who may be interested in entering the health care field or advancing current skills. To support the added barrier of training costs, VMFH will cover the cost of training and supplies and will pay trainees full-time during the program. Enrolled individuals will also have access to employee benefits offered. Successful completion opens the door for trainees to be eligible for hire based on available positions.

While supporting a variety of learning styles and providing socioeconomic support are key focus areas for the Allied Healthcare Academy, the training program is open to all who may be interested. 

Current programs will include Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Medical Assistant-Registered (MA-R), Medical Assistant Certified (MAC) Apprenticeship Program and Surgical Technologist without certification. Programs were developed in collaboration with Clover Park Technical College and supported by a number of community organizations, including the Tacoma-Pierce Economic Development Board, Washington Association for Community Health and Worksource. 

“The VMFH Allied Healthcare Academy is a way for us to bring people who often face challenges to employment into the health care industry while dismantling barriers,” noted Dionne Dixon, PhD, CPHQ, region director overseeing education services for Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. “Like many other industries, we hope to broaden our workforce base and embrace the unique skill sets and perspectives of those who identify as neurodivergent as well as those with diverse life experiences. Each unique point of view creates new opportunities.” 

Enrollment is open now with the first cohort beginning January 2025. Learn more about the VMFH Allied Healthcare Academy.

About Virginia Mason Franciscan Health

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) is an integrated health system serving the Puget Sound region, including 10 hospitals and 300 care sites. Founded in 1891, VMFH embraces its long history of caring for the most vulnerable, especially the poor and underserved, and meeting the evolving health care needs of the vibrant, diverse communities it serves. VMFH is a proud home to the Bailey-Boushay House, the first skilled nursing and outpatient chronic care management program in the United States designed specifically to meet the needs of people with HIV/AIDS, and the Benaroya Research Institute, an internationally recognized institution for autoimmune disease research. VMFH is part of CommonSpirit, one of the nation’s largest health systems, dedicated to advancing health for all people.