William Newton Hospital Launches Apprenticeship Program to Grow Healthcare Workforce, Celebrates National Apprenticeship Day

Apr 29, 2025

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William Newton Hospital is taking proactive steps to cultivate its workforce and provide career pathways for community members through its newly established career advancement program. Leveraging the Kansas Apprenticeship Act, signed into law in July 2023, the hospital has been approved by the Kansas Department of Commerce as an apprenticeship site, officially launching the program on April 14, 2025, with its first five apprentices.

The Kansas Apprenticeship Act established a significant incentive fund, including $7.5 million in tax credits for for-profit businesses and $2.5 million for non-profits and healthcare entities, alongside $3 million for K-12 education. This crucial funding has enabled William Newton Hospital to realize its vision of creating a comprehensive program.

The hospital joins the City of Winfield and Winfield Fire/EMS as one of the local organizations offering formal apprenticeship opportunities. William Newton Hospital’s career advancement program further enhances its longstanding partnership with Winfield High School HOSA (Future Health Professionals). In celebration of National Apprenticeship Day on April 30, these groups gathered on the hospital campus to commemorate the launch of William Newton Hospital’s new initiative.

The inaugural cohort of apprentices at William Newton Hospital includes two individuals in the certified nursing assistant (CNA) program and three in the medical assistant (MA) program. The hospital is also currently accepting applications for phlebotomy.

"Our goal is to continuously expand this program into various healthcare roles, including medical laboratory technologists (MLT), licensed practical nurses (LPN), and registered nurses (RN), as well as other essential hospital careers," states Cheryl Brock, program coordinator for William Newton Hospital. "This program presents a remarkable opportunity to upskill and foster the growth of healthcare professionals within our community. It’s truly a mutually beneficial arrangement – WNH gains skilled employees, and apprentices earn a wage while gaining valuable experience."

William Newton Hospital’s career advancement program blends classroom learning with practical clinical hours under the guidance of experienced preceptors, who were highly recommended for their mentorship abilities. The hospital is collaborating with Tia Bunch at Cowley College, Joe Wood at Winfield High School, and the City of Winfield.

"Apprenticeships offer a structured pathway to learn a multitude of occupations within the hospital, from medical assistants and dietary aides to CNAs, medical coders, LPNs, and RNs, among others," explains Tiffany Shinneman, human resources director for William Newton Hospital. "While clinical roles maintain specific educational prerequisites, the beauty of this program is that apprentices can earn while they learn."

William Newton Hospital has partnered with Hamilton Ryker/Talent Gro and the Kansas Hospital Association to facilitate the program's launch. This initiative mirrors successful apprenticeship programs at other Kansas hospitals, such as Pratt Regional Medical Center and Labette Health, which have seen retention rates as high as 90 percent. The hospital aims to achieve similar success in retaining skilled healthcare professionals.

The hospital is currently accepting applications for its career advancement program in CNA, MA, and phlebotomy. Students enrolled in these programs and community members interested in joining the healthcare field are encouraged to apply through the careers page. Applicants should complete a general job application, including a cover letter specifying their interest in the apprenticeship program and their desired field, along with a resume. Detailed information about the program is also available on the website.

Due to limited spaces in this initial phase, interested individuals are encouraged to apply promptly. As apprentices complete the program, more opportunities will become available. A dedicated team is currently interviewing candidates.

Learn more about becoming an apprentice