The HealthCare Office Support Training (HOST) Program, (also known as MediClerk) from Wellspring is a comprehensive job-training program designed for individuals who are seeking to enter the healthcare field in non-clinical, entry-level positions.
Patricia is a recent graduate from the Spring 2022 HOST cohort, and from the beginning, excelled in her studies. Patricia—who thrives in fast-paced positions—always saw herself in the medical field, and approximately 15 years ago, enrolled in a healthcare job-training program.
Shortly after accepting a clinical support position, Patricia learned she was pregnant and realized her new role might not be the right fit with a new baby on the way. To help accommodate her growing family, Patricia pursued opportunities in retail which would allow her more flexibility to care for her son.
One day, Patricia saw an advertisement for the HOST/MediClerk program, which she called her “Ah-ha moment,” and personal destiny.
After completing 450 hours of training, which occurred mostly online due to the ongoing pandemic, Patricia was hired as a Patient Services Representative (PSR) at North Shore Gastroenterology, part of the Beth Israel Lahey Health network.
“The HOST program definitely prepares you for what you need to be able to succeed in medical practices. Having a broad range of information and generalized background is so helpful (in her role.) I never could have done this without this (HOST) program.”
Patricia quickly excelled in her role, and was the first to step out of her comfort zone and fill in for others. Her practice team took note of her ambitious nature, and after only one month as a PSR, was asked to move up to a secretary position and support a physician directly.
In her new role, she’s now scheduling CT scans, MRIs, Ultrasounds and other critical testing, and working directly with insurance companies to get patients the care they need. As a HOST Alum, Patricia attributes her impressive success to her teachers and thorough training she received at Wellspring. A supportive resource for her fellow alums and incoming students, she reminds her peers to never give up on their dreams and keep pushing.
“Never in a million years did I think this was possible. You’ve already taken the first step to look into the (HOST) program, and your future is bright.”
This success story is made possible by the generosity of the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation, a long-time supporter of Wellspring’s HOST Program and mission to inspire individuals and families to achieve employment and financial security through stable housing, job-training, education and career readiness.