Solving a staff crisis while supporting our associates.
As MedStar Health expands to meet the needs of our communities throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C., the demand for skilled healthcare workers only grows.
At the same time, our 35,000-plus associates crave growth opportunities. Seeing the need to retain outstanding staff members in entry-level positions while filling critical staffing vacancies, the Academy at MedStar Health was born.
The Academy is an internal financial support program that offers MedStar Health associates the opportunity to further their education on a new career path while maintaining their full-time salary—bringing previously unavailable opportunities within reach.
Your support is crucial to our ability to fill positions during the ongoing healthcare staffing shortage.
“For many students, this is their chance to break in—their chance to become a first-generation higher learner. … There is such potential to grow and expand to provide more training resources, and our colleagues and partners are asking for these positions. We know there is a need, but we will need support to make that a reality."
-Hussein Tahan, PhD, RN, FAAN
Chief Nursing Officer, MedStar Ambulatory Services
Member, the Academy Steering Committee
Innovating to best care for our patients.
The Academy at MedStar Health is an innovative approach to meeting critical staffing needs while simultaneously changing the lives of our associates. When accepted, team members can attend classes for a new career path while continuing to receive their full-time salary.
We have already seen tremendous interest and success in the program. While 600 associates initially applied for the surgical technician pathway in 2023, only 30 students could be accommodated.
Your support would allow many more associates to be offered space as the Academy works to build upon its current successes and expand for the future.
"The Surgical Technician Apprentice program has been a true blessing, something I only imagined in my dreams. … When I am in the operating room, I cannot stop thinking about how I went from working in coat check to working next to a surgeon in the OR."
-Leticia A., 2024 surgical technician graduate
The power of your partnership.
Expanding the Academy relies upon the generosity of our community. Your support ensures team members can pursue educational opportunities without the financial strain of reduced income, allowing them to continue receiving their full compensation throughout their learning journey.
Current opportunities include:
- Nursing: Patient care technician
- Perioperative Services: Surgical technician, sterile processing technician
- Pharmacy: Pharmacy technician
- Radiology: Limited radiology technician
With donor support, we can enroll more students and develop new career pathways in critical areas like emergency medical services.
While most funding will be allocated to support student needs directly, generous donations will also positively impact the creation of a dedicated Academy team committed to helping our associate-students succeed.
We can achieve more, together.
Support student success by make a donation online here. To learn more, please contact a member of our Philanthropy team at 410-772-6747 or philanthropy@medstar.net.