Our Lady of the Lake Health (OLOL) has partnered with Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) to build a program that allows Our Lady of the Lake medical assistants (MAs) a clear and accelerated pathway to obtain an associate degree and become licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
"This program provides not only our team members new opportunities to advance their careers, but it also provides members of our community greater access to patient care by broadening our workforce," said Nicole Telhiard, Our Lady of the Lake senior vice president of patient care services.
The new BRCC associate program and partnership allows Our Lady of the Lake medical assistants to further their education at an accelerated pace while continuing to grow their careers.
"It is through innovative programs such as this that the health system helps team members better serve their communities by providing opportunities to further their education and advance in their career paths," says Latina Schaffer, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System vice president talent strategy and chief diversity officer.
The first cohort to complete this program is made up of six Our Lady of the Lake clinic team members. These team members were able to earn their new associate degree in 18 months, compared to the two years an average program would take to complete. Upon graduation, these team members will be promoted within their clinic from MAs to LPNs. The graduation ceremony took place on Dec.15 at Magnolia Theatre in Baton Rouge.
Our Lady of the Lake is a part of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System (FMOLHS), which remains committed to the continued support and development of team members. FMOLHS has plans to expand these efforts by introducing similar educational opportunities across all five of the health system's markets.
The BRCC Accelerated MA to LPN Associate Degree Program is available exclusively to FMOLHS employees. For more information, visit fmolhs.org/careers.