LWC, Ochsner recruiting veterans for healthcare jobs, LPN training program

SLIDELL – The Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) has partnered with Ochsner Health System to provide specialized training and employment opportunities for veterans with qualified military specialties looking to continue their careers in healthcare.

Informational sessions for Medical Assistant backfill positions and the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Apprenticeship Program will be held on Thursday, July 27 at the Slidell Memorial Municipal Auditorium. Two presentations will take place at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Part-time medical assistants will begin working in August for a minimum of 20 hours per week. Some qualifications include:

• A high school diploma or equivalent

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association

• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision

• Experience working in a fast-paced clinical setting (preferred)

• Graduate of a Medical Assistant program (preferred)

The accelerated LPN Apprenticeship Program will feature 12 months of coursework provided by the Northshore Technical College and clinical rotations at Ochsner, which will help prepare students for the LPN Licensing Exam. Among the eligible military occupations desired for enrollment are:

• Aero Space Medical Service Helper

• Healthcare Specialist/Combat Medic

• Health Services Technician

• Navy Hospital Corpsman HM

This program is the latest in a series of efforts by the Louisiana Workforce Commission to establish hands-on training opportunities for underemployed and underrepresented residents. Last fall, the LWC worked with Ochsner to expand the New Orleans-based Medical Assistant Training Program to the parishes of St. John, St. James and St. Charles. Since its launch in 2013, more than 100 people have completed the program, with the inaugural River Parishes class graduating last month.

“Our partnership with Ochsner allows us to provide much-needed educational opportunities within one of the fastest growing industry sectors,” said Ava Dejoie, LWC Executive Director. “This event is a first step in ensuring the licensing and credentials veterans received while enlisted seamlessly transfer to private sector employment.”

For more information about these programs, email workforce@ochsner.org.

About The Louisiana Workforce Commission

The Louisiana Workforce Commission is an agency of state government that administers programs designed to enhance workforce growth and provide family-sustaining jobs for Louisiana residents. The commission monitors employment, administers unemployment compensation and tax funds, provides training resources for employers and employees and oversees worker compensation benefits. The agency also gathers and supplies information on the labor market and occupational sectors in Louisiana.

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