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Essentia Health in Brainerd graduated Alexis Pardun, the first in a new paid surgical tech apprenticeship program aimed at addressing rural health care shortages.
Essentia Health in Brainerd marked the graduation of Alexis Pardun, the first participant in a new 12-month, paid apprenticeship program for surgical technologists, designed to combat rural health care worker shortages.
The U.S. Department of Labor- and Minnesota-registered program combines classroom instruction, hands-on training, and mentorship, with Essentia covering all educational costs.
Pardun, a Brainerd native with prior experience in veterinary care and sterile processing, said the financial support allowed her to pursue her career without student loan debt and buy a home.
Essentia leaders praised the program as a key step in building a skilled, local health care workforce.
Surgical technologists are vital in preparing operating rooms and assisting during procedures.
The initiative reflects broader efforts to expand accessible, on-the-job training pathways in health care.
Essentia Health en Brainerd graduó a Alexis Pardun, el primero en un nuevo programa de aprendizaje de tecnología quirúrgica pagado destinado a abordar la escasez de atención médica rural.