Dec. 12, 2024
Story and photo by Maggie Harris
Leadership from Barton Community College and Medicalodges, Inc. gathered Nov. 20 at Medicalodges Great Bend to honor students participating in the Medicalodges Academy: Pathway to Learning and Earning Apprenticeship Academy.
The event brought together representatives from the College and Medicalodges to honor the achievements of the students and employees participating in the academy. Employees Tiffany Lewing, Ivy Davidson, and Andrea McAllaster were recognized for completing the caregiver and certified nurse aide (CNA) training level. In addition, Brittany Travis and Ashley Markley received accolades for their current participation in the Apprenticeship Academy.
Barton Vice President of Instruction Elaine Simmons said the academy has successfully blended technical instruction from the College with mentorship and paid on-the-job training to encourage classroom and job success.
“The goal of this partnership is to help students succeed and achieve the industry credentials needed in high-demand fields,” she said. “We are proud to make the path for students interested in these fields critical to the healthcare industry more accessible.”
Medicalodges Executive Vice President Shannon Lager said they are excited to be able to give this opportunity to their employees. Medicalodges has 30 locations regionally, and their leadership plans to use what they have learned in Great Bend to expand this program to these locations as well.
“By investing in our employees through this academy, we’re creating pathways for professional growth and ensuring the highest standards of care for our residents,” she said. “This partnership with Barton Community College strengthens our commitment to workforce development and employee success and retention.”
In June 2023, a partnership between Barton and Medicalodges launched the Apprenticeship Academy to advance workforce development in healthcare. The collaborative effort combines the College’s expertise in technical education with Medicalodges commitment to quality care and employee development.
Medicalodges, Inc. is a 100 percent employee-owned Kansas-based company with over 1,600 employees and 30 locations across Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. They provide a continuum of care, primarily in rural communities, for older adults and those living with developmental disabilities.