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Education & Training

Ochsner provides resources for you to grow and develop in your career. From courses provided by the Ochsner Learning Institute to career training programs, Ochsner has everything you need to find and succeed in your next move.

Join us for an upcoming career chat to learn more about topics such as Ochsner workforce development programs, how to prepare for an interview - and more!

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Ochsner Courses and Programs

  • Medical Assistant to Licensed Practical Nurse Apprenticeship plus_icon minus_icon

    Practical nurses are needed in acute care and outpatient clinics throughout Ochsner Health System. Ochsner maintains dozens of practical nurse vacancies, and local community colleges do not graduate enough nurses to fill the demand. This apprenticeship program will recruit incumbent high-performing medical assistants who show aptitude for career advancement. Through a combination of formal curriculum and on-the-job training, the apprentices will advance into practical nurse roles. Accompanying medical assistant programs provide a backfill those who pursue these programs.

    Components of Registered Apprenticeship

    Business Involvement - Ochsner’s workforce needs are the foundation of apprenticeship. Ochsner will identify apprentices that have the aptitude as Practical Nurses.

    On-the-Job Training - Apprentices receive structured on the-job-training from an experienced mentor that can addresses skill gaps between formal curriculum and everyday skills.

    Related Instruction - Apprentices receive related instruction on technical and academic competencies from Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC).

    Rewards for Skills Gains - Apprentices receive progressive wage increases as their skills and knowledge increase to incentivize completion and advancement. Wages will increase 25% over successful completion of the program.

    National Credential - Successful graduates earn a Practical Nurse Associate Degree from NTCC, Licensure from the LA Board of Practical Nursing, and a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship from the Louisiana Workforce Commission


    Program Details

    • Dedicated Ochsner cohorts of 20 students.
    • Pilot cohort began in 2018 with courses held on site at Ochsner Northshore facilities.
    • Initial clinical rotations are held in both Northshore and Southshore facilities. Future cohorts will be dedicated to additional locations.
    • Incumbent Medical Assistants continue to work at least 20 hours a week and are eligible for medical benefits.
    • Hiring preference and possible advance standing for veterans.
    • Grant funding and partnership with Louisiana Workforce Commission currently makes tuition available at no-cost to students or Ochsner.
    • Competitive application process involves letters of recommendation and history of excellent performance reviews.

    • Apprentices complete the program in 20 months.
    • Fully accredited by Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners.

    For more information, contact workforce@ochsner.org


  • Medical Assistant Now plus_icon minus_icon

    Medical assistants provide direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. Duties include scheduling and receiving patients, preparing and maintaining medical records, serving as a liaison between physicians and other healthcare professionals, taking patient histories and vital signs, collecting and processing specimens, assisting the licensed healthcare provider with examinations and treatments. Medical assistants are trained to operate various equipment, screen patients, recognize and respond to emergencies.

    About the Program

    • Comprehensive 6-month program; instructor-led & online classes; lab practicum and supervised clinical activities
    • Instruction through Ochsner Health System
    • Students will receive hands-on training through Ochsner clinical rotations in a wide range of departments
    • The program includes training and preparation to become certified as a medical assistant
    • Graduates will test for relevant certifications
    • Tuition-free program for eligible candidates
    • After successfully completing the program and hiring requirements, participants will be interviewed for placement into a medical assistant position at one of Ochsner’s neighborhood health centers
    • Care is provided across the region by Ochsner’s 40 owned, managed and affiliated hospitals and more than 100 health centers.


    For more information, contact workforce@ochsner.org

  • Impact Training (EVS, CNA, Security and Supply Chain) plus_icon minus_icon

    Impact training is a Workforce Development program whose goal is to provide you with knowledge, skills, and abilities that will help you become high-performing and self-reliant both inside and outside of the workplace.

    About the Program

    Book 1
    CHOICES: Ethics for the Workplace

    Focuses on identifying and building personal values, behaviors, and attitudes that will enhance image of self and recognition of potentially destructive behaviors.

    Hours, Topics, and Outcomes

    • 24 hours
    • 12 classes (@ 2 hours per class)
    • Topics: Self-esteem, recognition, of obsessive/compulsive behaviors and addictions, courtesy, emotional maturity, conscientiousness, trustworthiness, long-term job commitment, and safety
    • Outcomes: Goal setting, decision-making, responsibility and workplace code/ethics.

    Book 2
    Strategic Skill Building

    Builds thinking skills, learning-to-learn strategies, verbal workplace communication strategies, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills used in life and at work.

    Hours, Topics, and Outcomes

    • 28 hours
    • 14 classes (@ 2 hours per class)
    • Topics: Communication with peers, supervisors, and other hospital communities/departments, following procedural directions, recognizing alternative conditions on the job, prioritizing actions and predicting outcomes
    • Outcomes: Foster consistent, reliable, and responsible job performance along with intrinsic customer service

    Book 3
    Technical Skills

    Impacts hands-on procedures focused on skills specific for each discipline by individual departments.

    Hours, Topics, and Outcomes

    • 20 hours
    • 10 classes (@ 2 hours per class)
    • Topics: Reviews the role, equipment, personal safety procedures/precautions, BCLS, safe movement/ lifting techniques, special ancillary patient medical devices, use of oxygen and confidentiality issues
    • Outcomes: Achievable, level-setting and measured performance across healthcare organizations

    Our Graduates

    96% received Achieves or higher on their latest performance evaluation.

    26% were promoted within 18 months of graduating.

    “I wanted to better myself and better my situation.
    I’m so glad I was chosen to be part of the class.”
    –Brenda Anderson

    “I’ve been working here for 13 years and desire the
    chance for advancement.”
    -Michelle Major


    For more information, contact workforce@ochsner.org

  • Medical Laboratory Technician plus_icon minus_icon

    There is a growing demand for medical laboratory positions across the whole healthcare system. The MLT Training Program is a competitive admissions program open to candidates eligible to take college level math and english coursework and meet the program eligibility requirements.

    About the Job and the Program

    Lab Assistant
    Perform various lab functions which may include phlebotomy, specimen receiving and processing, labeling and distribution of specimens, maintain and monitor equipment, perform appropriate quality control.

    Medical Lab Technician
    Receive and prepare specimens according to standard protocols and procedures; perform analytical lab tests and calculations; perform quality control procedures; calibrate, maintain, and monitor laboratory equipment; work under general supervision; perform phlebotomy procedures; maintain confidentiality of patient related information.

    The program lasts 18 months, and class and clinical times will vary between day and night times. All classes and lab rotations will be local.

    At the end of the program, you will graduate with:

    • Laboratory Assistant Certification (mid-program)
    • Medical Laboratory Technician Certificate (after completion)
    • Associate of Applied Science Degree (after completion)

    All graduates are guaranteed job interviews.

    In order to be eligible for the program, candidates MUST meet the following requirements:

    • Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
    • Have a college transcript or minimum ACT or
    • Accuplacer test score Pass a drug and criminal background screen.

    For more information, contact workforce@ochsner.org

  • Pharmacy Technician plus_icon minus_icon

    Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of pharmacists and help them dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals. Pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies, including those found in drug stores, general merchandise stores, grocery stores, and hospitals.

    About the Program

    Comprehensive 8-month program; instructor- led & online classes; simulation labs and supervised clinical activities.

    Instruction through MedCerts, Delgado Community College and Ochsner Health System. Students will receive hands-on training through Ochsner clinical rotations in In-Patient Pharmacies and Retail Pharmacies.

    The program includes training and preparation to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician Assistant Certification (CPht -PTCB).

    Tuition-free program from eligible candidates.

    After successful completion of the program and hiring requirements meet, participants will be interviewed for placement into a Pharmacy Technician position at one of Ochsner’s neighborhood health facilities.

    Candidates are expected to pass a drug screen and background check, and be able to provide proof of high school diploma or equivalent.

    For more information, contact workforce@ochsner.org

  • Hospital Coder Training Apprenticeship Program plus_icon minus_icon

    An inpatient coder is a coding professional educated and trained solely for coding charts in a hospital inpatient setting.

    About the Program

    An on-site, 24-month, full-time, and accelerated apprenticeship program. 12 months are in the classroom, and 12 months are in on-the-job training. Student will learn and follow compliance requirements for Medicare and/or other third-party payers.

    Coursework is provided by the AHIMA Tackle areas, considered the most complex and challenging for coding professionals through this targeted training.

    The program includes training and preparation to become a Certified Coding Specialist.

    Tuition-free program for eligible candidates.

    After successfully completing the program and hiring requirements, participants will be interviewed for placement into a Medical Coding position at Ochsner.

    Program Requirements

    • Pass a drug screen and background check
    • High school diploma or equivalent
    • Must be 18 years or older
    • Preferred Associates degree or completion of an accredited inpatient coding program
    • One of the following certifications:
      • Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
      • Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)
      • Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
      • Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)

    For more information, contact workforce@ochsner.org

  • Ochsner & Registered Apprenticeship plus_icon minus_icon

    Registered Apprenticeship is a proven “earn while you learn” strategy to help workers begin or advance their careers and acquire the knowledge and skills needed to become an expert in their field.

    Through the apprenticeship model, Ochsner will hire apprentices and provide on-the-job training and identify what is to be taught and how long it will take to learn. Apprenticeship offers Ochsner the opportunity to build a workforce of trained, full time employees to meet specific needs. Programs meet and exceed all industry standards for training with regards to safety, education, and licensing requirements.

    Components of Registered Apprenticeship

    Business Involvement - Ochsner’s workforce needs are the foundation of apprenticeship. Ochsner will recruit and hire apprentices that have the aptitude for their occupation of choice.

    On-the-Job Training - Every apprenticeship program includes structured on the-job-training from an experienced mentor that can help address skill gaps between formal curriculum and everyday skills.

    Related Instruction - Apprentices receive related instruction on the technical and academic competencies that apply to the job.

    Rewards for Skills Gains - Apprentices receive progressive wage increases as their skills and knowledge increase to incentivize completion and advancement.

    National Credential - Every graduate of an Apprenticeship program receives a national credential in addition to certificates, degrees, and/or licensure to meet and exceed industry standards.


    Benefits of Registered Apprenticeship

    • Reduces employee turnover and increases retention
    • Graduated wages offset training costs
    • Broadens applicant pool to include individuals who cannot remove themselves from the workforce to advance their careers
    • Development careers pathways for frontline employees
    • Can involve workforce partners, community college, and outside funding opportunities
    • Training specific to business need

    91% of apprentices remain employed after completing the program.

    150% Return on investment for every dollar spent on apprenticeship in similar companies.


  • Ochsner Learning Institute plus_icon minus_icon

    Ochsner Health provides free, online courses through the Ochsner Learning Network. Browse courses that will help you advance in your career.

    Learn More

  • Catalyst - Summer Internship Program plus_icon minus_icon

    What exactly is the Catalyst Internship Program at Ochsner?

    The purpose of the program is to provide students with direct mentorship and hands-on experience to assist in increasing their knowledge of the healthcare industry. It will also help interns identify important skills needed to be successful throughout their career.

    What are some of the benefits to students who participate in this program?

    • 1:1 Mentorship with leaders
    • Peer Networking
    • Online/Classroom Skills Training
    • Experience in relevant issues affecting our communities
    • Values-centered organization
    • Healthcare is one of the largest industries with continued job growth, providing opportunities for students studying any major
    • Ochsner is the largest not-for-profit and private employer in the state, offering numerous opportunities and advancements for young professionals.

    FAQ’s

    • Is this a part-time or full-time position: This a part-time position, 8 week program, 32 hours per week (Mon.-Thurs) Students will have off the week of July 5th.
    • Are positions available following the internship: Yes, Interns have been offered and accepted positions following their internship completion.
    • Will interns have the option to choose their region/location: This will depend on the interns skill set and which department the intern is matched with. Our goal is to match interns to the departments/facilities in their geographical area.

    Participating departments:

    • Community Health/Urgent Care Facilities
    • Finance/Accounting
    • Supply Chain
    • Retail/Hospitality
    • Human Resources
    • Diversity and Inclusion
    • Patient Experience
    • Project Management
    • Security
    • Decision Support

    And many more.

    Two Programs Available

    Healthcare Management

    • Finance
    • Accounting
    • Human Resources
    • Logistics
    • Public Health

    Apply Here

    Information Services/Technology

    • Information Systems
    • Computer Science
    • Data & Analytics
    • Business Intelligence
    • Telecommunications

    Apply Here

    Applications for both programs are due February 21, 2021

Degree Programs
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