I am so excited for this week’s update! Over the last two years, Earn While You Learn (EWYL) has become a powerful career-launching program at UVA Health that opens doors for our team members and the community, builds our skilled workforce, and boosts retention and engagement.
Our entry-level EWYL programs — which train team members for roles like nursing assistants, patient care technicians, medical assistants, and EMTs — has opened the door for 687 team member to have a career at UVA Health. In the past year alone, applications have jumped 25%, and we now receive over 800 applications per hiring session — a sign that interest is strong and growing!
One of our largest and most successful programs is for medical assistants. To date, 191 trainees have entered this program, with a 95% completion rate and an 86% one-year retention rate. Our Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) play a vital role across ambulatory clinics and diagnostic areas, making a direct impact on patient care.
Expanding Advanced Career Pathways
EWYL’s success continues as we grow opportunities for state-certified and licensed roles, including:
- MRI Technology | Our first advanced program launched in Fall 2023 and celebrated graduation in September 2024; a second group of graduates is anticipated this spring. EWYL MRI program graduates have replaced travelers used in this area.
- Nursing | Launched August 2024 with 20 students; another nine students started in January 2025.
- Surgical Technology | New in 2025, the first program kicked off in January, with a second cohort planned for September. Future plans include multiple cohorts per year.
Looking Ahead
In 2025, we’re growing even more, launching another recruitment season for entry-level roles and rolling out new advanced programs, including Sleep Technology, Cardiac and Vascular Sonography, Paramedic Training, and Radiation Oncology. And for 2026, we’re working on Respiratory Therapy and a few surprise programs — so stay tuned!
To keep pace with this momentum, EWYL now has a dedicated four-person team, led by EWYL Director Beth Mehring and our new EWYL Manager Nicole Henley. Their fresh ideas and streamlined processes will help us expand opportunities while easing the load on our managers and teams.
EWYL is making a real impact by expanding career paths, strengthening our workforce, and supporting our community. To all who’ve supported this program — thank you! You’ve been key to its success.
Guided by our strategic goals to cultivate healthy communities and build a best-place-to-work environment at UVA Health, we’re paving the way for a brighter future.
If you know anyone who would be a great fit for these programs, please have them reach out to our HR partners.
Take care and be well,
Wendy