Northwood Technical College is celebrating the completion of its first surgical technology apprenticeship cohort, the first program of its kind in Wisconsin, marking a major milestone for the college, state and regional health care workforce. Registered apprenticeship is a cornerstone of workforce development in Wisconsin, with technical colleges partnering with the state since 1911 to deliver classroom instruction. Northwood Tech’s program reflects that long-standing collaboration.
The program, developed in partnership with regional hospitals and the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), was created to address a growing demand for surgical technologists across western Wisconsin. The inaugural cohort began in fall 2024, with four apprentices now completing both the two-year surgical technology registered apprenticeship program and associate degree, becoming the first cohort to complete this unique program.
“This milestone reflects what’s possible when education and industry work together to solve real workforce challenges,” said Dr. John Will, president of Northwood Tech. “These apprentices have gained hands-on experience while earning their education, and they are entering the workforce prepared to make an immediate impact in patient care.”
The apprenticeship originated in fall 2022 when Western Wisconsin Health leadership met with Dr. Will to explore apprenticeship as a solution to regional demand. At the time, no surgical technology apprenticeship existed in Wisconsin. Western Wisconsin Health approached the DWD, which engaged hospitals across western Wisconsin and confirmed a regional need. The DWD then approached Northwood Technical College to deliver the related instruction, and the college agreed to pilot the first cohort of the apprenticeship. HealthPartners later joined the development with multiple locations across western Wisconsin. Apprentices in the first cohort are employed by Western Wisconsin Health and HealthPartners locations, including Hudson, Amery, New Richmond and Baldwin.
“This apprenticeship partnership supports skilling-up employees to perform an important role on surgical teams and helps address health care workforce shortages in western Wisconsin,” said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. “Wisconsin’s investment in health care apprenticeship enables more people to receive training and pursue family-supporting careers in an in-demand field while supporting the well-being of our state and its residents.”
“Wisconsin’s first surgical technologist apprenticeship program is a game-changer, allowing students to be paid while they learn, receive benefits, and graduate without tuition debt, while helping employers build a stronger, more loyal workforce,” said Erin Benson, chief human resource officer at Western Wisconsin Health. “With surgical technicians among the most in-demand roles in our state, this program highlights the need for innovative solutions to grow and sustain our health care talent pipeline.”
Northwood Tech’s Surgical Technology program is a two-year, 65-credit Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science degree delivered through the registered apprenticeship modality. Students complete a state-certified work-based training program that includes 3,584 hours of on-the-job training, 816 hours of paid related instruction and eight hours of unpaid related instruction. The associate degree is not offered as a standalone program.
Upon completion, graduates earn a Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science degree and a Certificate of Apprenticeship Completion issued by the DWD Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards.
“More employers are attracting new entrants to the health care workforce through emerging apprenticeships such as this surgical technologist program,” said David Polk, director of DWD’s Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards. “Apprenticeship’s earn-while-you-learn model has led to health care employers embracing apprenticeships over the past several years.”
Unlike traditional surgical technology programs, the apprenticeship model requires participants to be employed from the start. Apprentices complete on-the-job training, lab and clinical experiences with their employer, allowing health care organizations to train workers within their own systems and culture. This model supports retention by investing in employees’ skills and career advancement while meeting workforce needs.
Surgical technologists work under a surgeon’s supervision to maintain a safe operating environment, ensure equipment functions properly and support procedures using sterile and aseptic techniques.
“Employers are investing in their workforce from day one, and apprentices are gaining real-world experience while earning a paycheck,” said Eric Lockwood, director of apprenticeships and academies at Northwood Tech. “This approach not only builds skills but strengthens long-term workforce stability for our regional health care providers.”
The program received early support through Department of Health Services grant funding, as well as direct instruction funding through the Wisconsin Technical College System.
Following the success of the initial cohort, Northwood Tech is expanding the apprenticeship to hospitals across its district, with a new cohort opening in fall 2026. The program is also serving as a model for other colleges and providers now launching surgical technology apprenticeships throughout Wisconsin.
Northwood Tech is currently seeking accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and has completed its final site visit, with a final accreditation determination pending.
For more information about Northwood Tech’s Surgical Technology apprenticeship, visit NorthwoodTech.edu or contact Eric Lockwood at Eric.Lockwood@NorthwoodTech.edu.
