Early Career & Training Programs
Training that opens doors to a meaningful healthcare career.
Ready to build your future in healthcare? Advocate Health's clinical training and career development programs offer real-world experience, in-demand skills and a clear path into rewarding careers.
Whether you're starting fresh or changing directions, you'll learn alongside experienced professionals and gain hands-on training across a variety of care settings.
Here, training goes beyond skill-building. It's your first step toward a career that makes a difference – every day.
Enterprise-wide early career and training programs
Enterprise-wide early career and training programs
The Advocate Health Administrative Fellowship Program is a competitive, one-year, post-graduate healthcare leadership fellowship designed to prepare emerging professionals for leadership roles in healthcare administration. Through immersive, project-based experiences, fellows gain direct exposure to operations, strategy and executive decision-making across a leading nonprofit health system.
Learn more about the Advocate Health Administrative Fellowship here.
The Advocate Health Summer Internship Program provides high school, college, and graduate-level students with meaningful exposure to healthcare careers through hands-on learning experiences. Interns work alongside leaders and professionals across clinical and non-clinical departments while contributing to real projects that support organizational goals. The program helps participants explore career pathways, develop professional skills, and gain insight into the healthcare industry. Through mentorship, networking, and experiential learning, interns build a strong foundation for future career success.
The Fair Chance Hiring Program creates employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals while helping address workforce needs across Advocate Health. Through partnerships with community organizations, participants receive workforce readiness training, coaching, and support that prepare them for careers in healthcare.
The program provides pathways to meaningful employment and career advancement while promoting second-chance hiring practices and economic mobility. Fair Chance Hiring demonstrates Advocate Health’s commitment to building an inclusive workforce and expanding access to employment opportunities within the communities we serve.
Learn more about the Fair Chance Hiring Program and available opportunities by sending an email to FairChanceHiring@advocatehealth.org.
The Aspiring Nurses Program helps Advocate Health teammates take the next step toward becoming a Registered Nurse by providing tuition assistance, paid education time, and career coaching while they pursue an ADN or BSN degree. Designed to support career growth and long-term success, the program helps participants balance work and school while building the skills needed for a rewarding nursing career. Eligible participants may receive support for up to three years as they complete their nursing education.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a full-time or part-time Advocate Health teammate
- Have been continuously employed for at least one year at the time of application
- Be fully accepted (unconditionally) into an approved ADN or BSN program leading to RN licensure
- Be in good standing at Advocate Health (no written disciplinary action in the last 12 months)
- Have met the requirements of their current role, per their Year-End Check-In
- Be recommended by their current leader (leader recommendation required)
- Attend a mandatory information session before applying
Learn more about the Aspiring Nurses Program here.
Macon, Georgia early career and training programs
Rise to Success provides recent high school graduates with a unique opportunity to earn a healthcare-related degree or certification while gaining paid, hands-on experience at Atrium Health. Through educational support, mentorship, and real-world career development, participants build the skills and experience needed to succeed in a wide range of healthcare professions.
Learn more and apply here.
REACH (Realizing and Encouraging Adolescents to Pursue Careers in Healthcare) gives high school students the opportunity to explore healthcare careers through job shadowing, hands-on learning experiences, mentorship, and professional development activities. Participants gain exposure to a wide range of clinical and non-clinical career paths while building valuable skills and connections that can help shape their future in healthcare. Designed to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals, REACH provides meaningful real-world experience in a healthcare setting.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be at least 16 years old at the start of the program.
- Have a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5.
- Have an interest in pursuing a healthcare career.
- Obtain a letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor.
- Complete and submit all required application materials by the application deadline.
- Be able to participate in and complete the full four-week program if selected.
- Attend a participating high school in Baldwin, Bibb, Crawford, Jones, Peach, Twiggs, or Wilkinson County.
Rome, Georgia early career and training programs
Rise to Success provides recent high school graduates with a unique opportunity to earn a healthcare-related degree or certification while gaining paid, hands-on experience at Atrium Health. Through educational support, mentorship, and real-world career development, participants build the skills and experience needed to succeed in a wide range of healthcare professions.
Learn more and apply here.
Illinois early career and training programs
Illinois early career and training programs
What is the Culinary Arts Apprenticeship?
- A unique opportunity for teammates to learn a skilled trade and advance their education, while being paid for the equivalent of a full-time, benefit-eligible position.
- 90% paid on-the-job learning and 10% paid related instruction.
- A 24 month/4,160-hour technical diploma program.
What does the Culinary Arts Apprenticeship do?
- This program fuses the art and science of cooking with an introduction to critical business management. Culinary Apprentices learn how to successfully run a food service operation by getting hands on training within our Food Services and Nutrition Department.
- Paid related instruction attendance 4 hours per week or the equivalent and satisfactorily complete the prescribed course material for a minimum of 416 hours.
What are the eligibility criteria?
- High School Diploma or GED.
- The screening process will consist of an interview and job shadow.
- Selected participants will be required to enroll at Educational Partner.
- Support and guidance will be provided throughout the enrollment process.
What is an Electrical and Instrumentation Technician?
Electrical and Instrumentation Technicians are professionals responsible for ensuring the proper and safe functioning of electrical and electrical systems, instruments, and devices used in various processes and operations.
What is the Electrical and Instrumentation Technician Apprenticeship?
- A 5 year program of not less than 10,400 hours. Hours of labor shall be the same as established for other skilled employees in the occupation.
- Teammates receive paid on-the-job training at Advocate Health site with a promotion to E&I Technician upon program completion.
What does the Electrical and Instrumentation Technician do?
- A Electrical and Instrumentation Technician Apprentice is responsible setting up instruments, maintenance and repair, troubleshooting, and documenting various calibration activities (e.g., record-keeping of maintenance, repairs, etc.)
- Paid related instruction attendance 4 hours per week or the equivalent and satisfactorily complete the prescribed course material for a minimum of 1008 hours.
What are the eligibility criteria?
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Selected participants will be required to enroll at Educational Partner.
- Support and guidance will be provided throughout the enrollment process.
- A unique opportunity for teammates to learn a skilled trade and advance their education, while being paid for the equivalent of a full-time, benefit eligible position.
- 90% paid on-the-job learning and 10% paid related instruction.
- 2.5 years and sufficient demonstration competencies, plus successful completion of a minimum of 390 hours of supplementary Related Technical Instruction (RTI) coursework. The term of this occupation shall encompass the successful attainment of not less 5,200 hours
What does the Facilities Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship do?
- A Facilities Maintenance Technician Apprentice is responsible for assisting in general maintenance services and performs repairs on a variety of facility systems such as mechanical, electrical, building systems and other critical systems that keep the facility running.
- Paid related instruction attendance 4 hours per week or the equivalent and satisfactorily complete the prescribed course material for a minimum of 720 hours.
- It’s a hands-on and paid learning opportunity to start and grow in your career.
What are the eligibility criteria?
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Selected participants will be required to enroll at Educational Partner.
- Support and guidance will be provided throughout the enrollment process.
What is an Industrial Electrician
Industrial electricians are integral to any plant’s daily running needs. These professionals are responsible for installing, maintaining and repairing electrical components of different industries, such as machines or wiring in manufacturing plants.
What is the Industrial Electrician Apprenticeship?
- A 4 year program of not less than 8,320 hours registered with Illinois Department of Labor.
- Teammates receive paid on-the-job training at Advocate Health site with a promotion to Industrial Electrician upon program completion.
What does the Industrial Electrician Apprenticeship do?
- A Industrial Electrician Apprentice is responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical equipment, machinery, and systems at manufacturing facilities and in other industrial settings.
- Paid related instruction attendance 4 hours per week or the equivalent and satisfactorily complete the prescribed course material for a minimum of 720 hours.
What are the eligibility criteria?
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Selected participants will be required to enroll at Educational Partner.
- Support and guidance will be provided throughout the enrollment process.
What is an Maintenance Mechanic?
Maintenance Mechanic is a skilled professional who repairs mechanical equipment and specialize in machine upkeep. These professionals are in high demand across a range of industries, and there is a growing need for skilled workers who can troubleshoot and maintain complex machinery and systems.
What is the Maintenance Mechanic Apprenticeship?
- A 4 year program of not less than 8,000 hours registered with Illinois Department of Labor.
- Teammates receive paid on-the-job training at Advocate Health site with a promotion to Industrial Electrician upon program completion.
What does the Maintenance Mechanic Apprenticeship do?
- A Maintenance Mechanic Apprentice is responsible for performing routine inspections, troubleshooting, maintenance and repairs of equipment and machinery (conveyor systems, pumps, motors, etc.).
- Paid related instruction attendance 4 hours per week or the equivalent and satisfactorily complete the prescribed course material for a minimum of 576 hours.
What are the eligibility criteria?
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Selected participants will be required to enroll at Educational Partner.
- Support and guidance will be provided throughout the enrollment process.
What is a Millwright?
Millwrights are crafts people who do precision machine installation and assembly using sophisticated measuring instruments. They install, maintain, repair, and troubleshoot stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment in sawmills. Along with keeping the mills and equipment running efficiently, they assist production personnel to maintain flow of product.
What is the Millwright Apprenticeship?
- A 4 year program of not less than 8,000 hours registered with Illinois Department of Labor.
- Teammates receive paid on-the-job training at Advocate Health site with a promotion to Maintenance Tech upon program completion.
What does the Millwright Apprenticeship do?
- A Millwright Apprentice is responsible for operation of forklifts, cranes, heavy-duty truck trailers, and flatbeds as they relate to machinery moving and installation
- Paid related instruction attendance 4 hours per week or the equivalent and satisfactorily complete the prescribed course material for a minimum of 576 hours.
What are the eligibility criteria?
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Selected participants will be required to enroll at Educational Partner.
- Support and guidance will be provided throughout the enrollment process.
Start a career in laboratory science through our 12-month, paid histotechnology program. You’ll gain classroom instruction and hands-on experience in certified labs. Graduates are eligible to sit for the ASCP HT or HTL certification exam through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification—and our program has achieved a 100% pass rate.
There is no tuition cost, and participants are full-time employees with benefits. Applications open each spring for a September start.
For more information on the program, visit our ACL Laboratories School of Histotechnology website.
North Carolina early career and training programs
Greater Charlotte Region early career and training programs
In partnership with Atrium Health and Atrium Health’s Carolinas College of Health Sciences, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ Hawthorne Academy of Health Sciences Early College. This North Carolina Cooperative Innovative High School offers dual enrollment to rising 9th graders to earn their high school diploma and an Associate of Applied Science degree in addition to a healthcare industry credential (e.g. Certified Nurse Aide (CNA).
Students actively participate in career-connected learning focused on high demand healthcare occupations. This includes in-school work-based learning activities, facility tours, a summer immersion program, and paid internships. These opportunities provide students with a comprehensive understanding of health care careers and prepare them for an entry-level role in the healthcare field and continued education.
Visit the Hawthorne Academy of Health Sciences site to learn more.
Learn more and apply here.
Learn more and apply here.
Rise to Success provides recent high school graduates with a unique opportunity to earn a healthcare-related degree or certification while gaining paid, hands-on experience at Atrium Health. Through educational support, mentorship, and real-world career development, participants build the skills and experience needed to succeed in a wide range of healthcare professions.
Learn more and apply here.
Piedmont Triad Region early career and training programs
Visit the Northwest AHEC Health Programs site for more details.
Wisconsin early career and training programs
Wisconsin early career and training programs
Our CNA training program is an approved program for the Wisconsin Certified Nursing Assistant certification exam. In addition to classroom time, students participate in live clinical days with hands-on patient contact and an immersive experience into the CNA role.
This is a train-to-work program. Participants will become employees of Aurora Health Care as CNA Trainees. The mission of our Program is to transfer CNA Trainees into CNA positions within our Greater Milwaukee Area Hospitals if all class and certification requirements are met.
CNA positions will require at least 20 hours per week, weekend rotation, and holiday rotation. Applicants must be available to work 3rd shift. There is no option to take the class without placement into a CNA position.
Key highlights:
- Classes are offered near the campus of Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center
- The course lasts 11 days (88 hours) and includes 21 clinical hours (additional days are required such as orientation and testing)
- Class hours are 7:30am – 4:00pm
- Perfect attendance is required for successful completion of the class and to be eligible for the State of Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry Exam. No exceptions can be made.
- Program participants must pass a mandatory health assessment & criminal background check for the state of Wisconsin. Applicable out-of-state checks may also be needed.
- The certification exam will be self-pay
Applying does not guarantee a spot in the class. The selection process is highly competitive, and each step is rigorous, including a math assessment and multiple interviews. Only the most qualified applicants will be selected, and all application elements are reviewed (resume, work history, experience, etc).
The application period will end when the maximum number of applications is reached.
2026 CNA Training Class Dates |
Applications Accepted |
|---|---|
| Feb. 23 – March 11 | Dec. 8, 2025 |
| April 6 – April 23 | Jan. 19, 2026 |
| May 4 – May 21 | Feb. 16, 2026 |
| July 13 – July 30 | April 27, 2026 |
| Aug. 24 – Sept. 11 | June 8, 2026 |
| Oct. 5 – Oct. 21 | July 20, 2026 |
| Nov. 2 – Nov 19 | Aug. 17, 2026 |
Through our hospital-based Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program, you’ll learn to support patients, families, and care teams in moments that matter most.
- Gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting
- Learn alongside a small, supportive cohort
- Reflect and grow through seminars and guided discussions
- Engage in a welcoming, multi-faith environment
We welcome individuals from all faiths and spiritual backgrounds who are called to support others and want to grow as spiritual care providers.
Learn more about our Clinical Pastoral Education program here.
Train in a 21-month, hospital-based program focused on medical imaging. Choose from General/Vascular or Cardiac/Vascular tracks. Graduates are eligible for American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography® (ARDMS) certification and prepared for in-demand imaging roles.
For more information, visit the Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography webpage.
Advance your emergency response skills through training designed for EMS professionals, first responders, and law enforcement. You'll gain practical knowledge, medical oversight, and ongoing support—so you can better serve your community.
The Family Therapy Training Institute (FTTI) is a postgraduate certificate program designed to accelerate your development as a therapist working with couples, families and individuals through systemic training. FTTI is one of only three post-degree institutes in the country and the only one in Wisconsin.
While formal classes may vary by location, many sites offer on-the-job training for phlebotomy roles. View all our phlebotomist opportunities here.
New classes begin in September following the Labor Day holiday. Graduates are eligible to apply for American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification in Radiography.
Learn more at the Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology webpage.
Start a career in laboratory science through our 12-month, paid histotechnology program. You’ll gain classroom instruction and hands-on experience in certified labs. Graduates are eligible to sit for the ASCP HT or HTL certification exam through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification — and our program has achieved a 100% pass rate.
There is no tuition cost, and participants are full-time employees with benefits. Applications open each spring for a September start.
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