Kaiser Permanente Employee Training Programs: Cultivating a Dynamic Future in Healthcare

Kaiser Permanente stands as an industry leader, committed to fostering a dynamic future for its employees through comprehensive and diverse training programs. These programs cater to individuals at various stages of their careers, from those just starting out to seasoned professionals seeking to enhance their skills and leadership capabilities. By providing opportunities for growth and development, Kaiser Permanente empowers its workforce to deliver exceptional healthcare services and contribute to the organization's mission.

Early Career Programs: Launching a Successful Healthcare Journey

Kaiser Permanente recognizes the importance of investing in early-career professionals. These programs are designed to provide a strong foundation for long-term career success within the organization.

Pathfinder Program: Developing Technical and Leadership Skills

The Pathfinder Program offers an exciting avenue for professionals in the early stages of their careers (typically with 0-7 years of experience) to cultivate both technical and leadership skills. As full-time employees within non-represented Marketing, Sales, Service & Administration roles, participants gain valuable on-the-job experience through a variety of projects and work assignments. These assignments may include analyzing data, consulting with business partners, presenting recommendations to senior leaders, and implementing process improvements. By the program's completion, participants are well-equipped to excel in their careers at Kaiser Permanente.

Fellowship Program in Health Care Administration: Shaping Future Leaders

For those with a specific interest in Health Care Operations, the Fellowship Program offers a unique opportunity to develop professional skills and leadership potential while directly contributing to Kaiser Permanente's mission. This 12-month program selects three candidates each year and takes place at medical centers and regional offices. Fellows actively participate in the operational activities for Health Plan, Care Delivery, Research, Policy/Community Benefit, and Dental Administration. The program is structured to provide a balance between project and operational work, facilitating ongoing development. Ideal candidates are graduating seniors pursuing MHA, MPH, MBA, or dentistry degrees related to health care administration with a minimum of one year of experience in a clinical setting.

Postgraduate Fellowship in Health Care Administration: Maximizing Learning Opportunities

The Postgraduate Fellowship in Health Care Administration recognizes talented professionals early in their careers who are eager to develop their leadership potential within a dynamic healthcare environment. This program maximizes learning opportunities for fellows while simultaneously supporting the operational needs of the organization. It is offered in two formats:

12-month fellowship: Focused on health care operations, with two 6-month rotations at a medical center.
24-month fellowship: Includes three 8-month rotations: two at a medical center and/or medical office, and one at the regional office.

Similar to the standard Fellowship Program, this program emphasizes a balance between project and operational work to guide ongoing development.

Clinical Training Programs: Building Expertise in Healthcare Professions

Kaiser Permanente is committed to providing comprehensive clinical training opportunities for students and early-career individuals interested in health care, science, or technology.

Clinical Student Rotations and Externships: Gaining Exposure to Integrated Healthcare

Through clinical student rotations and externships, participants gain exposure to the skills and knowledge necessary to build a promising future in the healthcare field. Students are immersed in Kaiser Permanente's highly integrated, multidisciplinary health care system, experiencing a wide variety of departments, service areas, and regions.

Nurse Residency Program: Developing Expertise Across the Kaiser Permanente Footprint

The Nurse Residency Program spans across the entire Kaiser Permanente footprint, including Northern CA, Southern CA, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Georgia, and the Mid-Atlantic (Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland). This program is designed for top-tier students who are eager learners, possess strong communication skills, compassion, and problem-solving skills, and are ready to work in a fast-paced environment. While requisite majors vary, they are typically related to roles in nursing, allied health, or pharmacy.

Specialty Training Positions for Current CNA-Represented Staff Nurses

Kaiser Permanente offers specialty positions on an ongoing basis, providing opportunities for current CNA-represented staff nurses to expand their expertise. Training positions are typically posted at least 1 month prior to the program start date. However, it's important to note that current Kaiser Permanente CNA-represented staff nurses who do not meet the minimum experience qualifications for the specialty they are applying to are not eligible for the specialty training program (for example, applicants cannot apply to the specialty training program if they already have 12 months of experience in a specialty). Please continue to check the "Employee Job Search" on the internal site for upcoming opportunities.

Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences (KPSAHS): Launching Healthcare Careers

Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences (KPSAHS) offers nationally accredited programs in various allied health fields, providing a direct pathway to launching a healthcare career.

Featured Programs

Medical Assisting Certificate Program: This program offers hands-on training designed to launch a healthcare career in Northern California. The Fall Application is Open and provides an affordable alternative to other programs.
Master of Science in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy: Considered the "gold standard" of education and training for mental health counseling in the health care setting.
Nuclear Medicine (BS): This program is ideal for individuals with a strong interest in the health sciences and a desire for a people-oriented career.
Phlebotomy (Cert): The Basic & Advanced Phlebotomy certificate program offers hands-on training designed to launch a healthcare career in Northern California.
Radiologic Technology (BS): This program is designed for individuals who are excited about becoming well-rounded, knowledgeable Radiologic Technologists.
Sonography (BS) - Abdominal/OBGYN: This program is ideal for detail-oriented individuals who want to work in health care and are looking for a new career.
Sonography (BS) - Adult Cardiac: This program is designed for individuals who are fascinated by the heart and are interested in working in the exciting and ever-changing health care field.

Upcoming Information Sessions

KPSAHS hosts upcoming information sessions to provide more details about the school, programs, and opportunities.

Phlebotomy (Cert)
Nuclear Medicine (BS)
Sonography (BS) - Abdominal and Cardiac
Radiologic Technology (BS)
Medical Assisting (Cert)

Supporting Employee Education and Development

Kaiser Permanente actively supports its employees in their pursuit of higher education, recognizing the value of continuous learning and professional growth.

Labor Management Partnership-Supported Education Trusts

Kaiser Permanente partners with Labor Management Partnership-supported education trusts such as the Ben Hudnall Memorial Trust and SEIU UHW-West & Joint Employer Education Fund to provide employees with resources and opportunities to further their education.

Rahman's Success Story: Balancing Work and Education

Rahman, a Kaiser Permanente employee, exemplifies the organization's commitment to supporting employee education. With the support of Kaiser Permanente, she was able to pursue and obtain both (Pepperdine University) and doctoral (Azusa Pacific University) degrees in psychology while working full-time. Rahman's journey demonstrates that Kaiser Permanente is supportive and provides the flexibility needed to balance work and education. After working in San Francisco, she now serves as a psychological assistant in Antioch, preparing for the licensing exams to become a staff psychologist. “It was definitely challenging but well worth it,” Rahman says. “It’s not easy to go to work and to school,” Fiskio says. “That takes real dedication.

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