Building Berkshire’s Healthcare Future: Inside Berkshire Health Systems Career Pathways

A Community Solution to a Community Need 

Berkshire Health Systems has a long-standing commitment to growing our rural workforce through stronger healthcare recruitment. By expanding and training local talent we keep care for our community members closer to home. Through our innovative Career Pathways Programs, BHS offers “earn while you learn” or paid training opportunities where participants build valuable skills, earn certifications, and accelerate progress toward rewarding healthcare careers. 

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare systems nationwide faced a shrinking workforce driven by burnout and high turnover, and BHS was no exception. In response to the growing need for a highly skilled local healthcare workforce, BHS launched the current iteration of healthcare education programs, Career Pathways Program in 2021. Designed to reduce long-standing barriers to entering the healthcare field, the program helps build a talented, diverse workforce, including individuals who may not have otherwise considered a career at BHS, all while advancing the organization’s mission of improving health and wellness across our community.  

“The [BHS] Pathways Program is an innovative and wholistic approach – it pays for educational expenses and provides full-time wages for participants while they are in school. This creates greater access to education, leading to rewarding careers for individuals while simultaneously improving patient care for our community. It’s a win-win. We’re lucky to have this kind of support from BHS and I’m proud to be a part of such an important and forward-thinking program.” – Rachel Boilard, Interim Manager of Talent Development 

BHS Career Pathways Program Offerings 

Healthcare is more than a job; it’s a calling to make a difference in people’s lives. Our programs are open to both community members and current BHS employees. Most programs cover tuition, fees, books, uniforms, and a laptop, and include paid work, education, and training hours (up to 40 hours per week) along with medical, dental, and vision benefits. By removing financial and practical barriers, we help participants focus on learning, completing their program, and launching a long-term career in healthcare right here in Berkshire county. 

Our Pathways: Multiple Routes Into a Healthcare Career 

BHS Pathways offers multiple roads to rewarding healthcare careers in the Berkshires: 

• Nurse & Direct Patient Care Pathways For those who want to work directly with patients. Combine paid training, education, and mentorship. Our current programs include three Registered Nurse and two Licensed Practical Nurse pathways through our partner schools. Through strong partnerships with Berkshire Community College, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and McCann Postsecondary School, participants can pursue an approved nursing pathway with structured support from application through graduation. 
• Technical, Diagnostic & Specialized Pathways Prepare for high-demand roles that support patient care at the bedside and behind the scenes. Examples: Biomedical Equipment Technician; Radiology Pathways – Cardiac Sonography, CT Technologist, MRT Technologist. 
• Entry Level & Support Pathways No prior clinical experience required. Gain foundational skills, paid on-the-job training, and exposure to the healthcare environment. Current programs: Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). 

Why These Programs Matter 

“The pipeline program saved my dream of becoming a nurse. Being a wife and mom, I can’t afford to not bring home a full-time paycheck and insurance. I also don’t want to miss out on time with my husband and daughter. The pipeline means I can work one shift a week, bring home a full-time paycheck with benefits, have time for my studies and I don’t miss out on quality time with my family! It also means I’m guaranteed a job as a nurse for 3 years when I graduate. What more could I ask for?! I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be in this program. Thank you BHS!”  – Chelsea Porter, BCC Nursing (ADN) Student 

• 526 Graduates across all pathways since 2022.  
• $5 Million annual organizational investment.  
• 72% pathway retention rate.  

By building these structured career pathways programs BHS is taking actionable steps toward creating paid training opportunities that open doors to in-demand clinical roles and transform both careers and care delivery in the community.  

Flagship and Pioneering Programs on the Horizon 

In addition to our Career Pathways Programs Berkshire Health Systems offers both flagship and pioneering residency programs for undergraduate and post graduate students. Many of these programs are offered through Berkshire Medical Center our teaching hospital in Pittsfield. 

Undergraduate & Pre-Licensure Programs 

• Berkshire Medical Center – School of Medical Laboratory Science 
• Berkshire Medical Center – Medical Student Training 

Graduate Medical Education 

• Berkshire Medical Center – Internal Medicine Residency Program 
• Berkshire Medical Center – General Surgery Residency Program 
• Osteopathic Track 
• (New) Primary Care Track 
• Berkshire Medical Center – Psychiatry Residency Program 
• Berkshire Medical Center – Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine Residency Program 

Transition-to-Practice  

• (New) BHS Nurse Residency Program 
• (New) Advanced Practice Provider Primary Care Residency