“Career Ladder” Creating Fulfilling Healthcare Careers

Part of Bethesda Health Group’s mission is to provide fulfilling opportunities for healthcare careers, which includes opportunities for advancement once an employee joins the organization.

And that is why Bethesda developed its “Career Ladder.”

“This program is great for people who are truly compassionate and want to help others,” says Eileen Caffey, Director of Recruitment and Employee Relations. “If they’re dedicated to their education and furthering their career, participants can complete training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), a CNA Mentor, a Certified Medication Technician (CMT), then eventually enroll in nursing school.”

Kristina Johnson is on track to do just that. She started working at Bethesda Southgate in early 2020 after applying on somewhat of a whim.

“I had never worked in healthcare before, but my mom is a staffing coordinator with Bethesda and I saw how much she loves her job, so I decided to apply,” Kristina says.

In the two years Kristina has been at Bethesda, she’s already completed the training programs to become a Nurse Assistant, a CNA, a CNA Mentor and a CMT. Nursing school is the next rung she wants to climb. That’s the magic of the Career Ladder.

“I am so grateful for the Career Ladder program because it has allowed me to enter into and progress quickly in a field that I have become very passionate about,” says Kristina. “I love giving back to the generation that paved the way for me and my family, and the relationships I’ve built with the residents have made my job so enjoyable.”

Kristina says she appreciates the financial assistance Bethesda provides in each step of the Career Ladder program.

“There is no charge to our employees who participate in the 12-week CNA and CMT programs; in fact, we actually pay them while they’re in training,” Eileen says. “Our bottom line is setting our employees, and in turn our residents, up for success. We’ll do everything we can to take care of our people!”

The Career Ladder program has graduated more than 120 “students” since its creation. It is on track to graduate the largest number of participants yet in 2022.

“Bethesda sets you up for success by being so supportive and helping you accomplish your goals,” says Kristina. “If you’re looking to achieve greatness and grow in your career, Bethesda’s Career Ladder program will help you do that.”

Contact us to find out more about Bethesda’s healthcare careers.