During Apprenticeship Week, Union Health is proud to spotlight its innovative Nurse Apprenticeship Program, one of the first federally registered nurse apprenticeships in Indiana. This program brings a proven apprenticeship model to nursing—strengthening our workforce while supporting students as they transition from the classroom to professional practice.

Building the Future of Nursing
The Nurse Apprenticeship Program is a U.S. Department of Labor–registered apprenticeship for nursing students in the final three semesters of their RN programs at Ivy Tech, Saint-Mary-Of-The-Woods and Indiana State University. 

How the Program Works
• Apprentices work 16 hours per week, earning pay while gaining real-world clinical experience.
• Clinical assignments match current coursework and rotations.
• Skills and competencies are completed alongside academic requirements.
• Apprentices earn a $1 hourly increase after each phase of the program.

Broad Clinical Exposure
Apprentices gain experience across the continuum of care:
• Up to 17 inpatient & outpatient acute care areas
• 13 multidisciplinary departments
• 5 outpatient ambulatory clinics
This exposure builds confidence, clinical judgment and career clarity.

Program Impact
Since 2022:
• 128 students recruited
• 72 graduates
• 97% NCLEX first-time pass rate
• 91.6% graduate retention at Union Health

Coming Soon!
In May, 21 additional apprentices will graduate, bringing the total completions to nearly 93, with approximately 87 former apprentices continuing their careers at Union Health as RNs or PCI‐IIs.