Hospitals across Virginia are investing in programs to attract and nurture entry-level workers into top performers. These programs make it easier to build long-term healthcare careers by reducing financial barriers to education and opening doors to hands-on clinical experience.
We spoke with Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH), one of the top Virginia hospital systems offering education benefits, to dive deeper into its Priority Pathway Program. Our guide covers education benefits, high-priority fields in healthcare, and 8 student and entry-level healthcare jobs to get your foot in the door.
Related: Learn why more people are switching careers into healthcare.
Key Takeaways:
•Bon Secours employees can access over 60 healthcare programs through 17 partner schools and universities.
•Employees can receive up to 100% tuition coverage for select clinical Priority Pathways, including nursing, medical imaging, laboratory sciences, respiratory therapy, and surgical technology.
•Hospital internships, externships, student positions, and entry-level positions provide real-world clinical experience in Virginia hospitals.
What Is the Bon Secours Priority Pathway Program?
The Bon Secours Mercy Health Priority Pathway Program, offered through Guild Education, helps remove financial barriers to healthcare careers by connecting employees with accredited education partners. Participants can choose from more than 60 healthcare-related programs across 17 schools, colleges, and universities to earn advanced degrees and in-demand certificates.
Each career pathway offers entry-level and student-level positions, allowing participants to earn experience while completing their education.
Program Benefits Include:
•Up to 100% tuition coverage for select programs, especially for clinical priority pathways.
•Up to $10,000 in tuition assistance for in-network degrees and certificates.
•$5,250 per year in tuition reimbursement for approved programs outside the Guild catalog.
•Student loan support through Candidly to help manage and optimize repayment.
•Access to the Internal Mobility Team for one-on-one career guidance to help employees identify opportunities for professional growth
All full-time, part-time, and PRN employees pursuing clinical education programs are eligible for robust education benefits starting on their first day of employment. As a result, students and entry-level employees benefit the most by getting their foot in the door through healthcare certifications and taking advantage of the Priority Pathway Program to jumpstart their careers.
Top 5 Priority Pathways in Healthcare
Most people are familiar with nurses and doctors as healthcare career paths because they’re the most visible. But hospital systems require a range of skilled allied health professionals working behind the scenes and on the front lines to function.
Bon Secours highlights 5 priority pathways in its hospitals:
•Nursing – Nurses are at the forefront of direct patient care, providing bedside nursing and leading specialized units. They advocate for and educate patients on their health treatments.
•Medical Imaging – Radiologic and diagnostic imaging roles are critical to accurate treatment. The rise in AI-enhanced imaging and minimally invasive procedures fuels the field.
•Laboratory Science – Working behind the scenes, lab specialists collect patient samples, administer precise medical tests, and interpret test results to support diagnosis and treatment.
•Respiratory Therapy – Respiratory professionals support patients with breathing or pulmonary challenges through a combination of therapy, equipment-assisted breathing, and respiratory studies.
•Surgical Technology – These operating room experts ensure safe and efficient surgical procedures by maintaining a sterile environment and managing supplies.
Other priority pathways include behavioral health (psychiatric), sterile processing, care management, cardiology, physical medicine (rehabilitation), and spiritual health services.
Related: Get a glimpse into a day in the life of a nurse, imaging professional, or other Priority Pathway healthcare role in this playlist.
8 Entry-Level Healthcare Jobs for Students in Virginia
In addition to hospital internships and externships, Bon Secours focuses on student-level healthcare roles that provide paid, hands-on experience in real hospital settings. These positions are perfect for healthcare students as they apply their knowledge in practical ways.
Even high school students (ages 16+) enrolled in healthcare programs may qualify for entry-level patient care roles through Bon Secours’ Priority Pathway Program.
Related: Not sure which career is right for you? Use Bon Secours’ interactive career guidance tool to visualize each healthcare pathway’s career progression.
1. Patient Care Technician
Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) assist nurses and physicians by performing essential patient care tasks such as checking vital signs, helping with mobility, and providing comfort measures. This position offers direct exposure to patient care and is ideal for those pursuing nursing or emergency medicine.
•Requirements: Be a CNA, STNA, or enrolled in an accredited nursing program with at least one completed clinical rotation and clinical nursing course; Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification must be obtained prior to direct patient care.
•Career Path: Leads to nursing or emergency department technician roles and eventually registered nurse (RN) positions.
2. Student Nurse (Nurse Extern)
Student Nurses work under supervision to provide basic patient care and assist with clinical procedures. These roles help students gain valuable real-world experience in hospital settings before graduation.
•Requirements: Enrollment in an accredited nursing program with at least one completed clinical rotation and clinical nursing course; BLS Certification must be obtained prior to direct patient care.
•Career Path: Advances to a nursing pathway, leading to nursing specialization and leadership roles such as a Nurse Supervisor.
3. Medical Assistant Apprentice
Medical Assistant Apprentices support physicians and nurses by taking patient histories, performing basic lab tests, and assisting during exams. It’s an excellent entry point for those interested in clinical or administrative healthcare careers.
•Requirements: High school diploma or GED; Medical Assisting Certification required within 12 months of hire; prior healthcare experience preferred.
•Career Path: Grows into a Specialized Medical Assistant track, leading to a clinical supervisor role or other hospital leadership positions. Can also transition into an RN track.
4. Radiology Student Assistant
Radiology Student Assistants help radiologic technologists prepare patients, operate imaging equipment under supervision, and ensure diagnostic accuracy. This role offers hands-on learning in imaging departments and exposure to advanced technology.
•Requirements: Enrollment in an accredited radiology program and completion of one year with a GPA of 2.5 or higher; BLS Certification must be obtained prior to direct patient care.
•Career Path: Leads to a Radiologic Technologist track with advancement through medical imaging specialties. Leadership positions include Imaging Supervisor and Imaging Manager.
5. Surgical Technologist (Non-Certified)
Surgical Technologists prepare operating rooms, sterilize instruments, and assist surgeons during procedures. They play a vital role in ensuring safe and efficient surgeries.
•Requirements: High school diploma or GED; Associate’s degree or vocational certification in surgical technology.
•Career Path: Advances to Lead Surgical Technologist through experience and certifications. Top leadership roles include Director of Perioperative Services and VP of Surgical Services.
6. Respiratory Aide II
Respiratory Aides support respiratory therapists in caring for patients with breathing disorders. They assist with non-acute treatments, manage equipment, and help ensure patient comfort.
•Requirements: High school diploma or GED; BLS certification; enrollment in or completion of an AMA-approved respiratory care program.
•Career Path: Advances to a Respiratory Care Practitioner track. Top leadership roles include Respiratory Therapy Supervisor, Manager, and Director.
7. Lab Intern
Lab Interns work alongside medical technologists to perform diagnostic tests on blood, tissue, and other bodily fluids. The results are used to diagnose and treat patients. It’s a hands-on opportunity for students interested in medical laboratory science.
•Requirements: Enrollment in an accredited health science program (medical laboratory science or medical lab technology), resulting in an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree
•Career Path: Lab Interns can progress to Medical Lab Technician or a Lab Client Service Tech tracks before becoming Lab Coordinators. Leadership positions include supervisor, management, and more senior roles, depending on the lab size.
8. Lab Assistant
Lab Assistants perform essential laboratory tasks such as specimen collection, data entry, and equipment maintenance. In hospitals, assistants are usually Lab Phlebotomists, using their phlebotomy experience to advance into laboratory operations.
•Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; phlebotomy certification (preferred).
•Career Path: Progression is based on additional certification and obtaining an Associate’s Degree in a relevant study (e.g., allied health sciences, lab sciences, etc.). Top leadership roles include Lab Supervisor, Manager, or higher, depending on the lab size.
Launch Your Healthcare Career With Student & Entry-Level Jobs in Hospitals
Programs like Bon Secours’ Priority Pathway Program and education benefits are just some of the perks employees consider when evaluating the best hospital to work for. Internal mobility programs empower employees to expand student-level hospital jobs and starting roles into long-term careers. By enrolling in high-priority healthcare programs, students are more likely to find stable healthcare jobs after graduation.
Whether you’re a high school student exploring healthcare, a college student seeking clinical experience, or a professional looking to switch careers, Virginia hospitals offer the tools to help you grow from the classroom to the clinical floor.
Explore Virginia’s healthcare programs to start your career today.
