The Benefit of Being First

The apprenticeship program at Huron Regional Medical Center is an excellent pathway for students interested in a health care field to explore a variety of opportunities – while getting paid.

For Taylor Hornig, HRMC’s first Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) apprentice, the program allowed her to explore different career options while being paid for on-the-job training.

“I’ve always felt I wanted to work in health care, so right after high school I enrolled in my first nursing class and the LPN apprenticeship, which has allowed me to experience different types of nursing,” explained Hornig.

Some of her experiences included assisting with community health screenings, following an occupational health nurse and completing several clinical rotations at HRMC. When asked if the COVID pandemic has deterred her desire to work in health care, Hornig says, “Working at HRMC during the pandemic has actually ended up making me want a career in nursing even more. It’s also made me realize I desire to work in the hospital setting.”

She will complete the LPN program this May and will complete her apprenticeship hours as an LPN at HRMC while preparing to begin Southeast Technical College’s registered nursing program at Huron Community Campus.

Although Hornig was initially nervous about being the only student in HRMC’s newly formed apprenticeship program, she recognizes that she has benefited from the individualized attention.

"I was a little nervous at first, but everyone has been really good about getting me the resources I need and I’m grateful for the one-on-one attention,” said Hornig. “If anyone is thinking about trying out a career in health care, I would say just ‘do it.’”

More information about HRMC’s apprenticeship programs and nursing education in Huron is available at www.huronregional.org/exploringcareers or by calling Teresa Haatvedt, workforce recruiter at 605-353-6589 or Brooke Sydow, program manager at 605-461-8364.