Sabrina Bernhard of Lomira graduated from Moraine Park’s Medical Assistant program in May, thanks to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (WI DHS) Allied Health Grant through Marshfield Clinic Health System. This grant covered her tuition, textbooks, equipment, and many other expenses.
The Allied Health Professional Education and Training Grants are designed to create partnerships between hospitals, health systems, and educational institutions. These grants aim to enhance education and training opportunities for allied health professionals, addressing the need for skilled workers in critical health positions.
“Moraine Park was one of multiple technical colleges in Wisconsin to partner with Marshfield Clinic Health System,” Sarah Chojnacki, grant manager and associate dean of health sciences at Moraine Park, said. “These grants alleviate financial burdens for students, enabling them to pursue and complete essential health care education and training without the stress of student loan debt. This support also helps to fill critical positions in the health care workforce.”
Before enrolling at Moraine Park, Bernhard attended a four-year college but realized it wasn’t the right fit for her. Determined to pursue a career in health care, she explored local options.
“I initially enrolled in Moraine Park’s Phlebotomy program but wanted to do more, which led me to the Medical Assistant program,” Bernhard said. “I liked that it was a one-year program and that I could enter the workforce quickly.”
Bernhard learned about the grant from Chojnacki, who introduced the opportunity to students. After submitting her resume, Bernhard completed a phone interview with Human Resources at Marshfield Clinic and was accepted into the grant program just a few hours later.
“Being accepted into the grant was a huge relief,” Bernhard said. “Coming from a four-year college with student loan debt was daunting, and this grant alleviated many of my financial worries. It also motivated me to complete the program since everything was paid for.”
Bernhard graduated from Moraine Park in the spring of 2024 and has since started working as a medical assistant at Froedtert Hospital in West Bend.