Siena Heights University to address medical staffing shortages with new workforce programs

Siena Heights University recently announced that it was launching several workforce development programs with the goal of combating the critical healthcare skilled labor shortages being experienced across Michigan, Ohio, and the entire midwest region. The programs are online credential and certificate programs which will be administered by Siena Heights University, and will give students the skills they need to fill critically in-demand jobs throughout the healthcare industry.

Sister Peg Albert, O.P., Ph.D., President of Siena Heights University, was quoted by Business Wire about the reason for the move, saying, “Our mission is to help people become more competent, purposeful and ethical, so that they can serve others in ways that strengthen our communities and our world. These new online credentialing and certificate programs represent a big step forward in our ability to help shape the healthcare workforce and leadership of tomorrow – and they enable us to do it in an industry that needs skilled workers more than ever before.”

It is estimated that more than 176,000 healthcare professionals have left the industry since February 2020, according to the United States Bureau for Labor Statistics. In addition, the American College of Healthcare Executives has expressed concern about the labor and workforce shortages to the point where remediating those shortages is a top concern. Michigan, and the midwest as a region, is particularly affected by the shortages as vacancy rates of some jobs are nearing 20%, even as healthcare is one of the largest private sector employers in Michigan. 

Henry Ford Health System’s Vice President of Human Resources South Market, Patrick Irwin - who also is a Siena Heights graduate - talked about the benefits of the new SHU programs favorably, saying, “I am excited to see Siena Heights University launch its new Workforce Development programs. The new offerings will be an important addition toward meeting the critical shortage of workers in the healthcare sector. I applaud SHU for recognizing the need in our community and taking action.”

The programs are also being supported by Michigan Works! Southeast, according to Deputy Director Misty Shutters, who said, “MWSE strives to connect people to the skills they need to advance their careers and prosper. The new programs Siena Heights has announced will enhance the workforce development opportunities available in our region and help close the skills gap for local employers.”
The new certificate and credentialing programs on offer by Siena Heights University are now open for enrollment and include: Clinical Documentation Improvement – Inpatient, Clinical Documentation Improvement – Outpatient, Dental Assistant, EKG Technician, ​Health Unit Coordinator, ​Healthcare Administrative Professional, ​Healthcare IT Technician, Hemodialysis Technician, Home Health Aide, Medical Assistant, ​Medical Coding and Billing – Inpatient, Medical Coding and Billing – Outpatient, Mental Health Technician, Patient Care Technician, ​Pharmacy Technician, ​Phlebotomy Technician, ​Physical Therapy Aide, ​Sterile Processing Technician, and Surgical Technologist.

Siena Heights University was founded as a Catholic university back in 1919 and is sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. The school enrolls both traditionally aged students and working adults of many different backgrounds. SHU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and was founded as a liberal arts school. It offers associate degree programs as well as certificate programs, as well as higher degrees like bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Classes take place in person, hybrid, and in online settings. Siena Heights University is based in Adrian, Michigan, with other campuses in Jackson, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Monroe, Benton Harbor, Dearborn, and online.

More information about Siena Heights can be found on the school’s website.