Explore Your Career Pathway
Explore Your Pathway to a Career in Healthcare
Berkshire Health Systems Career Pathways
Healthcare is more than just a job. It’s a calling to make a difference in people’s lives.Berkshire Health Systems has a strong history of commitment to medical education. Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) offers paid training opportunities where you will learn valuable skills, earn certifications, and fast-track your progress toward a rewarding career in healthcare.
Pathways Programs are open to both community members and current BHS employees. You do not need to be employed by Berkshire Health Systems to participate.
Entry Level & Support Pathways
New to healthcare or looking to change careers? These programs offer an accessible starting point into healthcare, no prior clinical experience required. Participants gain foundational skills, on the job training, and exposure to the healthcare environment while building a pathway toward long term career growth at Berkshire Health Systems.
Hands on patient care, with one-on-one training, and no student loans.
Requirements: Must be 18 to sit for the certification exam; Must have a high school diploma or high school equivalency.
Work Hours: 40 hours
Paid Hours: 40 hours
School: Ed2Go (online)
Time to Completion: 28 weeks
Commitment to BHS after Completion: 2 years
What is included: Paid tuition, uniforms, supplies, and laptop provided.
Nurse & Direct Patient Care Pathways
Our Nursing & Direct Patient Care Pathway Programs combine paid training, education, and mentorship to help participants earn credentials, advance their skills, and make a meaningful difference at the bedside.
Registered Nurse
3 Pathway Programs
Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families.
Requirements: Coursework pre-requisites are determined by the college in year 1 and 2*
Work Hours: 8 to 16 hours
Paid Hours: 32 to 40 hours
School: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA)
Time to Completion: 2 years (4 semesters)
Commitment to BHS after Completion: 3 years
What is included: Paid tuition, fees, books, uniforms, supplies, laptop
*Pre-requisite courses are not covered by the pathway program
Requirements: Coursework pre-requisites are determined by the college*
Work Hours: 16 hours
Paid Hours: 40 hours
Schools: Berkshire Community College, Maria College, Columbia Greene Community College
Time to Completion: 2 years (4 semesters)
Commitment to BHS after Completion: 3 years
What is included: Paid tuition, fees, books, uniforms, supplies, laptop
*Pre-requisite courses are not covered by the pathway program
Requirements: Must be an active LPN to enter this program
Work Hours: 16 hours
Paid Hours: 40 hours
Schools: Berkshire Community College
Time to Completion: 1 year (2 semesters)
Commitment to BHS after Completion: 3 years
What is included: Paid tuition, fees, books, uniforms, supplies, laptop
Licensed Practical Nurse
2 Pathway Programs
A licensed practical nurse is a healthcare professional responsible for basic patient care and comfort. LPNs are essential to the patient experience and work closely with RNs and physicians. They monitor a patient’s status, manage basic care, and keep up-to-date medical records. LPNs are essential to the patient experience and work closely with RNs and physicians. They monitor a patient’s status, manage basic care, and keep up-to-date medical records.Berkshire Health Systems offers two LPN Pathway Programs. One through Berkshire Community College and one through McCann Postsecondary School.
Requirements: Coursework pre-requisites are determined by BCC
Work Hours: 16 hours
Paid Hours: 40 Hours
School: Berkshire Community College
Time to Completion: 1 year (2 semesters)
Commitment to BHS after Completion: 2 years
What is included: Paid tuition, fees, books, uniforms, supplies, laptop
Requirements: Take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam at McCann
Work Hours: 8 hours
Paid Hours: 40 Hours
School: McCann Postsecondary
Time to Completion: 1 Year (10 months)
Commitment to BHS after Completion: 2 years
What is included: Paid tuition, fees, books, uniforms, supplies, laptop
Interested in one of our Pathway programs?
Pathway Experience
Employment
2-3 year work commitment to Berkshire Health Systems after completion
0-20 hour work commitment during program
What is Included?
– Paid tuition
– Fees
– Books
– Uniforms
– Supplies
– Laptop
– Full time Medical, Dental and Vision benefits
Partners
-Berkshire Community College
-McCann Postsecondary School
-Maria College
-Columbia Greene Community College
-Ed2Go (online)
-Hudson Valley Community College
-MA College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
-MA College of Liberal Arts
Outcomes
In 2023 Berkshire Health Systems has trained & hired over 140 people through out career pathways programs.
FAQ’s about our Pathways Program
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01
Who can participate in the Pathways Programs?
Pathways Programs are open to both members of the community and current BHS employees. No employment at BHS is required to apply.
02
How do I apply?
Application instructions and open opportunities are linked within each program description.
03
Tell me more about the Associate’s Degree of Nursing Program At Berkshire Community College
We currently sponsor people to attend Berkshire Community College’s (BCC) ADN program to become an RN. BCC does require a number of prerequisites that are not covered under our pathway program. They all need to be completed and then once you apply and are accepted into the nursing program by BCC, you can apply for the pathway program.
The pathway program will pay for all costs associated with your education including tuition, fees, supplies, books, uniforms, etc. While in training, you will be required to work as a nursing assistant (we will train you if needed) for 16 hours each week, but we will pay you for 40 hours of work.
Upon completion of the program, you will need to work for Berkshire Health Systems as an RN for 3 years.
04
Tell me more about the LPN to RN bridge program at Berkshire Community College
We currently sponsor people to attend BCC’s LPN to RN bridge program. You should reach out to BCC and provide them with your transcripts showing you attended a for-credit LPN program and that you are currently licensed. Once you are accepted into the bridge program by BCC, you can apply for the pathway program.
The pathway program will pay for all costs associated with your education including tuition, fees, supplies, books, uniforms, etc. While in training, you will be required to work as an LPN for 16 hours each week, but we will pay you for 40 hours of work.
Upon completion of the program, you will need to work for BHS as an RN for 3 years.
05
Tell me more about the Licensed Practical Nurse program at Berkshire Community College
We currently sponsor people to attend BCC’s LPN program. BCC does require a few prerequisites that are not covered under our pathway program. They all need to be completed and then once you apply and are accepted into the nursing program by BCC, you can apply for the pathway program.
The pathway program will pay for all costs associated with your education including tuition, fees, supplies, books, uniforms, etc. While in training, you will be required to work as a nursing assistant (we will train you if needed) for 16 hours each week, but we will pay you for 40 hours of work.
Upon completion of the program, you will need to work for BHS as an LPN for 2 years.
06
Tell me more about the Licensed Practical Nurse program at McCann Postsecondary
We currently sponsor people to attend McCann’s LPN program. There are no prerequisites for this program, but you do need to meet with an advisor at the school and take the TEAS placement test. You should reach out to the school to schedule the test and once, accepted to the school, you can apply to the pathway program.
The pathway program will pay for all costs associated with your education including tuition, fees, supplies, books, uniforms, etc. While in training, you will be required to work as a nursing assistant (we will train you if needed) for 8 hours each week, but we will pay you for 40 hours of work.
Upon completion of the program, you will need to work for BHS as an LPN for 2 years.
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