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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

A photograph of two nurses confering at a medical computer workstation.

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.

A photograph of a smiling medical assistant standing next to a painting.
CERTIFIED CLINICAL MEDICAL ASSISTANT

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

Designed for those who want to work directly with patients, these pathways support careers in nursing and hands on care roles.
A photograph of four nurses standing together looking at the camera

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.
A photograph of a male nurse standing near an office counter, looking at the camera
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (BSN)

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

A photograph of a nurse sitting back from her computer workstation, turning to look and smile at the camera
ASSOCIATES DEGREE IN NURSING (ADN)

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

A medical medical lab worker standing in a room with medical equipment, smiling at the camera.
LPN TO ADN BRIDGE PROGRAM AT BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

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.

A photograph of a young woman Nurse, sitting in front of a desk turning to look at the camera and smiling.
LPN PROGRAM THROUGH BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

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

A photograph of four nurses standing side by side looking at the camera, all smiling big smiles.
LPN PROGRAM THROUGH MCCANN

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


Technical, Diagnostic, & Specialized Programs

A photograph of a technician in the control room watching, through a window, a technician with the scanning machine.

These pathways prepare participants for high‑demand technical and diagnostic roles that support patient care behind the scenes. Through structured training and certification opportunities, participants develop specialized skills in imaging, diagnostics, and other advanced healthcare fields.

Technical Pathways

A photograph of a biomedical tech standing in a crowded office space, turning away from a piece of medical equipment to look at the camera
BIOMEDICAL EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN TRAINING PATHWAY

Requirements: No prerequisites
Work Hours: 24 hours
Paid Hours: 40 hours
School: College of Biomedical Equipment Technology (online)
Time to Completion: 15 months
Commitment to BHS after Completion: 3 years
What is included: Paid tuition, fees, books, uniforms, supplies, and laptop provided.

Radiology Pathway Programs

A photograph of a radiology tech standing on the fas side of some radiological equipment, smiling at the camera.

These programs prepare participants for in‑demand imaging careers that play a critical role in patient diagnosis and care. Through paid training and certification pathways, participants build specialized skills in radiologic technology and advance toward long‑term careers at Berkshire Health Systems.

CARDIAC SONOGRAPHY

Cardiac sonographers, also known as echocardiographers, are health care professionals specially trained to use imaging technology to help physicians diagnose heart problems in patients. Currently recruiting for August 2026.

Requirements:

Must have a minimum of an associate’s degree and credentials in an allied health program which requires hospital-based patient care experience with a 2.5 cumulative average or a bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 cumulative average and a minimum of 400 hours of hospital-based patient care experience including 40 hours in department.
  • All candidates applying must have a minimum of a “C” or higher in the additional college level entrance requirements.
  • College level courses mandated: 8 credits human anatomy and physiology (courses must have been taken within seven years of admittance); 3 credits algebra, statistics or higher level; 4 credits physics and/or radiographic physics; 3 credits English such as composition or public speaking.
  • Allied health programs may include: Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, Polysomnography, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Therapy, RN, OTA, PTA, MD or DO.
CARDIAC SONOGRAPHY PATHWAY

Work Hours: 0 hours
Paid Hours: 40 hours
School: Hudson Valley Community College
Time to Completion: 1 year
Commitment to BHS after Completion: 2 years
What is included: Paid tuition, fees, books, uniforms, supplies, laptop

How to apply:

  1. Apply and be accepted into the program at Hudson Valley Community College
  2. Email our Manager of Talent Development

Currently recruiting for August 2026.

 

CT TECHNOLOGIST

A CT technologist, operates head or body X-ray scanners that create a computer-generated cross-sectional image, commonly called a CAT (Computed Axial Tomography) Scan. Responsible for educating and preparing patients for their examinations.

Requirements:

  • Current ARRT/NMTCP/ARDMS certification in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology, or Radiation Therapy
  • Current CPR Certification
  • Cross Sectional Anatomy (3 credits)
CT TECHNOLOGIST PATHWAY

Work Hours: 8 hours
Paid Hours: 40 hours
School: MA College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Time to Completion: 1 to 2 semesters
Commitment to BHS after Completion: 2 years
What is included: Paid tuition, fees, books, uniforms, supplies, laptop

Work Hours: 8 hours
Paid Hours: 40 hours
School: MA College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Time to Completion: 1 to 2 semesters
Commitment to BHS after Completion: 2 years
What is included: Paid tuition, fees, books, uniforms, supplies, laptop

How to apply:

  1. Apply and be accepted to the program at MA College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (online)
  2. Email our Manager of Talent Development

MRI TECHNOLOGIST

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologist helps support patients with medical needs while working with sophisticated scientific technology. MRI techs are among the higher-paid professions within the allied health industry, which is the industry involved with identifying and analyzing medical conditions.

Requirements:

  • An associate’s or bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Current ARRT, NMTCB or ARDMS certification
  • Current CPR certification
  • Cross Sectional Anatomy (3 credits) course, passed with a C or higher
MRI TECHNOLOGIST PATHWAY

Work Hours: 16 hours
Paid Hours: 40 hours
School: MA College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (summer start only)
Time to Completion: 12 months
Commitment to BHS after Completion: 2 years
What is included: Paid tuition, fees, books, uniforms, supplies, laptop

How to apply:

  1. Apply and be accepted into the program at MA College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (online program)
  2. Email our Manager of Talent Development

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.

RN
46
Registered Nurses
Practice Assistants
59
Medical Practice Assistants
LPN
18
Licensed Practice Nurses
LPN to RN
19
Our bridge program from Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse
  • RN
    46
    Registered Nurses
  • Practice Assistants
    59
    Medical Practice Assistants
  • LPN
    18
    Licensed Practice Nurses
  • LPN to RN
    19
    Our bridge program from Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse

FAQ’s about our Pathways Program

Not seeing what you’re looking for? Ask a Question

01

Pathways Programs are open to both members of the community and current BHS employees. No employment at BHS is required to apply.

02

Application instructions and open opportunities are linked within each program description.

03

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

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

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

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.

Not seeing what you’re looking for? Ask a Question

Learn More About Our Unique Pathway Programs

PDF
BHS breathes fresh air into respiratory therapy career through unique pathways program
The Berkshire Eagle | December 07, 2024
PDF
Through its one-of-a-kind, fully-paid training programs for LPNs, other positions, BHS creates a ‘life changing event’ for many in the Berkshires
The Berkshire Eagle | December 08, 2022
PDF
Medical Assistants play a key role in keeping vital signs healthy at BHS
The Berkshire Eagle | September 29, 2022
PDF
BHS grows its healthcare workforce through new ‘talent pipeline’ programs
The Berkshire Eagle | August 24, 2022

Our Partners in Education

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Berkshire Community College
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Hudson Valley Community College
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ed2go
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McCann Technical School
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Maria College
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MA College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
A graphic representing the Columbia Greene Community College logo
Columbia Greene Community College
A graphic representing the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts - Bachelor of Science in Nursing logo
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
In recognition of the importance of this degree program for the Berkshires, Berkshire Health Systems (BHS), has agreed to help MCLA fund certain program costs and provide facility space. Read more here.