Funding Will Allow for More Classroom and Training Space
Vermont Business Magazine Training programs crucial to workforce development efforts and needs at UVM Health Network – Central Vermont Medical Center will soon be expanding following approval of a $735,000 federal grant. Vermont Senator Peter Welch helped secure the funding last year as a then-member of the U.S. House of Representatives through Congressionally Directed Spending.
The funding will address a significant barrier to growth of existing workforce development programs at CVMC – the ability to provide dedicated space and resources.
“The Central Vermont Medical Center plays an essential role in our economy and health care system by helping to train the next generation of medical professionals,” said Senator Welch. “Through their work, CVMC helps strengthen our health care workforce and keep Vermonters healthy. I am proud to have secured additional federal funds to help CVMC grow and provide this essential training for more health care professionals.”
The funding will allow for the construction of a second classroom and simulation lab, all of which will help expand current nursing-specific programming into the areas of laboratory science and radiology.
“Our goal in developing innovative workforce training programs is to help ensure our employees and community members can learn, contribute, grow and excel,” said Anna Tempesta Noonan, RN, BSN, MS, president and chief operating officer of CVMC. “Thanks to the strong support from Senator Welch, these federal funds will allow us to continue growing proven programs that support our staff and advance their careers, while helping address a critical health care workforce shortage.”
CVMC's dedicated resources for workforce development have initially focused on nursing, including a successful program that has trained licensed practical nurses. The training and hiring of LPNs has saved about $1 million in traveling nurse expenses. CVMC has since broadened its programs to include licensed nursing assistants, registered nurses, medical assistants, and surgical technicians.
The new classroom will offer functional space with technology, and the simulation lab will enable students to practice their skills in a controlled environment. Both will provide space to grow for training in laboratory science and radiology. Additional space will allow CVMC to increase programming to meet staffing needs and deliver high-quality patient care for our community.
“We know how important it is to continue funding our career pathway initiatives, in collaboration with our partners at Community College of Vermont and Vermont State University,” said Megan Foster, workforce development program manager at CVMC. “This federal funding will allow us to build on the success we have already seen, and help deliver long-term benefits to our employees, our organization and our community.”
CVMC has worked with key supporters, like Vermont Mutual and Union Mutual, to work directly with partner organizations so local students and community members interested in health care have the ability to acquire the necessary education to enter the field. The innovative approach allows CVMC to hire staff and make them eligible for full-time salaries and benefits while they are trained onsite. The employees agree to work at CVMC for a specific amount of time in exchange for the education and training. This model is allowing CVMC to train its own staff and provide the community with the quality of care they expect and deserve.
About Central Vermont Medical Center
Central Vermont Medical Center is the not-for-profit primary health care provider for 66,000 people who live and work in the 26 communities of Central Vermont. We provide 24-hour emergency care, with a full spectrum of inpatient (licensed for 122 beds) and outpatient services along with our 153-bed skilled nursing facility Woodridge Rehabilitation and Nursing. Our professional staff includes over 200 physicians and 70 advanced practice providers representing 25 medical specialties.
Central Vermont Medical Center is a member of The University of Vermont Health Network, an integrated system established to deliver high-quality academic medicine to every community we serve.
Source: 6.20.2023. BERLIN, Vt. – UVM Health Network – Central Vermont Medical Center. www.UVMHealth.org/CVMC The University of Vermont Health Network UVMHealth.org
