IHAP Spotlight: Steve Nicholson
Introduction to Healthcare employment and Apprenticeship Program (IHAP)
Steve’s Success Story
After completing the Introduction to Healthcare employment and Apprenticeship Program (IHAP) program and Nursing Assistant-Certified (NA-C) training in about three months, Steve Nicholson is now an NA-C/Patient Safety Assistant at Providence Swedish.
Steve’s personal experience and his own healthcare challenges played a defining role in his decision to pursue a career in healthcare. He learned about and enrolled in our IHAP program after searching for an entry-point into the healthcare field.
“The compassionate nurses and staff who cared for me during those difficult times left an indelible mark. Their unwavering support, empathy, and dedication motivated me to pursue a career in healthcare. Now, I strive to make a difference for others, just as they did for me,” he shares.
IHAP students learn medical terminology and prepare for a career in healthcare. The program also teaches life skills like time management, interview skills, cultural awareness, and more. Acknowledging the difficulties of pursuing a new career path, Steve says, “balancing academic commitments and career exploration can be challenging. However, I was able to successfully prioritize tasks and learn better time management skills.”
The Training Fund is committed to creating viable entry-level pathway programs into the healthcare sector for people like Steve. But more importantly, we also focus on providing them with the wraparound support to overcome barriers and achieve their goals. Steve’s example illustrates this:
“The Training fund provided support in all facets of my journey. It is as if they anticipated all my needs and challenges that I may encounter. This included financial support, studying and exam preparation, career options and mentorship.”
The mix of classroom and hands-on experience is also very useful for these entry-level students. “The team helps you transition from structured classroom learning to unstructured clinical environments. They guide you through the nuances of medicine and provide insights into patient-provider relationships,“ says Steve.
He specifically credits Benjamin (at our IHAP partner Seattle Jobs Initiative) for his help during Phase 1 of IHAP, and his NA-C instructor Tabitha for her support preparing students for the state exam and clinicals. Our team is your community, and we are behind you every step of the way.
Steve is now planning to pursue a career as a Medical Assistant and eventually a CT Technologist. This is just the beginning, and he is already inspiring and encouraging family members and others to follow his steps through the IHAP program and dream big.
“I’ve already started championing the program’s benefits among my colleagues and family. To those seeking a transformative and positive shift in their lives—and the lives of others—I wholeheartedly recommend enrolling in this program. Don’t hesitate; take the leap and experience the profound, life-changing benefits firsthand!”
