Empowering Growth: How Northbridge's 54-Hour Training Program Opens Doors to Healthcare Careers

Northbridge’s 54-Hour Training is a program for candidates who currently work in roles that are not resident care (programming, housekeeping, dining, etc.) The program provides a path for those either looking to advance their career or to begin a career in healthcare. It removes barriers that some of our associates might face when starting a career in healthcare such as – not knowing how to get started, not having the money to pay for the course (the course is free), not wanting to sacrifice income for career advancement (those in the course are paid to attend the training).

This program is designed to:

• Provide an abundance and variety of knowledge
• Create a great mentor experience
• Encourage a strong support system
• Allow flexibility for those who want to participate

Since the program started at the end of 2020 Northbridge has graduated 150 students, most of which continue to work, learn and grow at Northbridge communities today.

This is a mutually beneficial program, in addition to providing opportunities for associates to learn and grow within the company, it has reduced the use of agency within our communities. Current caregiver openings are at an all-time low company wide.

This program has brought to light the fact that we have many amazing caregivers within our communities, some just haven’t had the courage, chance, or opportunity to grow into the role.

At the end of the program everyone is invited to attend the graduation, and graduation day is a special occasion. Often Executive Directors or members of the leadership team from our communities will attend in celebration of the new graduates from their community. Family and friends of the graduates are also invited to celebrate. Of course, no celebration would be complete without cake - a sweet treat to remember such a special day.

The story certainly doesn’t end after the cake is eaten at graduation. The truly remarkable stories come when these graduates are able to work on the floor at our communities. We want to share a few of the many success stories that have come from this incredible program.

Bethany (Laurelwood at The Pinehills) - Bethany started the program after working at Ocean State Job Lot. During the graduation ceremony she was asked if she would like a picture of herself to show her family, she initially declined but a few minutes later decided to take one. She held her certificate proudly in front of the cake and began to cry. Bethany shared that, it was the first time doing something for herself, she had always put her family first. She was so proud and happy that it brought her (and everyone else in the room) to tears. After graduating, Bethany continued to work at Laurelwood during overnights from 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM. A few months later, Bethany’s family moved, and she was able to transfer to a Northbridge sister community, Autumn Glen at Dartmouth.

Over the years, there have been 3 program graduates who have found they enjoy a career in healthcare so much, they have continued their education to become nurses.

• A program graduate from our community, Stafford Hill, went on to become lead caregiver and her daughter has also gone through the program.
• One of our graduates was a single dad who was driving for Uber before going through the program. Since graduating he has been working in our community, The Mariner Marblehead, in the memory care neighborhood. The residents love him, and he is a natural at providing care, especially for those living with memory impairment.

When visiting a Northbridge community, many of our associates will identify themselves as graduates of the 54-hour training program. They are so grateful for the opportunities it has given them and the difference it has made in their lives.

There are many reasons why this program is so successful – some of them are intangible, like the achievement of putting yourself first for the betterment of your family. Others are more obvious like the ability to learn a new skill and get career training while still being paid. As a company that provides so much, for so many populations, it is important to always be thinking of the people first. Whether that be the residents we care for and ensuring they have access to the best caregivers, allowing our associates access to resources to be able to provide high quality, personalized care, or families who entrust us to treat their loved one as if they are our family.

One thing this program showcases is, you can teach people the skills of caring, it’s the passion that makes a Northbridge caregiver stand out above the rest.

For more information about Northbridge’s 54-hour training please contact Shaunda Belanger at [email protected].

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