The MU Health Care Career Institute celebrated its third ever graduation on Tuesday afternoon. Thirty-four MU Health Care employees earned certifications and specialty training through the career institute in five professions: certified medical assistants, certified nursing assistants, certified medical coders, registered nurses and trades professionals.
The Career Institute provides training for current MU Health employees, as well as collaborating with Columbia College and Columbia Public Schools.
Senior Director of Talent Peter Callan says this is his favorite day of the year.
“It’s just a very, very proud time. This is our third graduation and the auditorium is filled with family, friends, children, parents, grandparents, it’s a very proud day for our graduates and for MU healthcare,” Callan said.
CNA Certificate recipient Kristina Jones says she is thankful for the opportunity.
“For the most part, I’m a shoot from the hip kind of person. I tried really hard not to prepare for anything today, juts kind of let it flow through. I’m glad it’s done, I’m elated to start the next step and see where it takes us,” Jones said.
The program addresses a need to develop employee’s careers and address the current workforce shortage. So far, the program has provided training to nearly one-hundred people, according to MU Health Care.