ADRIAN, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Siena Heights University (SHU) announced today the launch of workforce development programs that will help address critical healthcare skilled labor shortages throughout Michigan, Ohio and the greater Midwest region. These online certificate and credentialing programs will be administered by SHU and provide students with the skills and capabilities needed to fill in-demand jobs across the healthcare industry.
“Our mission is to help people become more competent, purposeful and ethical, so that they can serve others in ways that strengthen our communities and our world,” says Siena Heights University President Sister Peg Albert, O.P., Ph.D. “These new online credentialing and certificate programs represent a big step forward in our ability to help shape the healthcare workforce and leadership of tomorrow – and they enable us to do it in an industry that needs skilled workers more than ever before.”
The United States Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS), estimates that more than 176,000 workers have left the healthcare industry since February 2020 – and the American College of Healthcare Executives said in February 2022 that workforce and labor shortages are now hospital CEOs’ number one concern. These challenges are especially acute in the Midwest and Michigan in particular, where the Michigan Health and Hospital Association reports that healthcare facility vacancy rates are approaching 20 percent – despite the fact that “healthcare continues to be the largest private-sector employer in the state.”
“I am excited to see Siena Heights University launch its new Workforce Development programs,” said Patrick Irwin, Vice President of Human Resources South Market at Henry Ford Health System and a Siena Heights graduate. “The new offerings will be an important addition toward meeting the critical shortage of workers in the healthcare sector. I applaud SHU for recognizing the need in our community and taking action.”
Misty Shutters, Deputy Director of Michigan Works! Southeast added that “MWSE strives to connect people to the skills they need to advance their careers and prosper. The new programs Siena Heights has announced will enhance the workforce development opportunities available in our region and help close the skills gap for local employers.”
Siena Heights new certificate and credentialing programs are open for enrollment now and offer training in disciplines including:
- Clinical Documentation Improvement – Inpatient
- Clinical Documentation Improvement – Outpatient
- Dental Assistant
- EKG Technician
- Health Unit Coordinator
- Healthcare Administrative Professional
- Healthcare IT Technician
- Hemodialysis Technician
- Home Health Aide
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Coding and Billing – Inpatient
- Medical Coding and Billing – Outpatient
- Mental Health Technician
- Patient Care Technician
- Pharmacy Technician
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Physical Therapy Aide
- Sterile Processing Technician
- Surgical Technologist
More information on these and other offerings from SHU can be found here.
About Siena Heights University
Siena Heights University is a Catholic university founded in 1919 and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Enrolling a diverse community of traditional-age and working adult students, Siena Heights is a coeducational institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission that was founded in the liberal arts tradition, offering certificate and associate programs, and bachelor and master’s degrees in face-2-face, hybrid and online settings. The University is headquartered in Adrian, Mich., with degree completion centers in Dearborn, Benton Harbor, Monroe, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Jackson and online.
It is the policy of Siena Heights University not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, religion or sexual orientation.
