In rural and underserved communities, access to healthcare careers can feel out of reach. Traditional education pathways are often costly, time-consuming, and difficult to navigate for individuals balancing work, family, and financial responsibilities. At the same time, healthcare systems in these communities face persistent workforce shortages, particularly in frontline clinical roles.
In response, the Medical University of SC (MUSC Health) launched the Patient Care Technician (PCT) Apprenticeship in the Pee Dee region as a new entry point into healthcare—one that removed barriers while creating a sustainable talent pipeline. What began as a regional solution has since become the heart of MUSC Health’s systemwide workforce strategy. At the center of this impact is Ally’s story.
Ally entered the inaugural PCT Apprenticeship cohort in May 2023. Like many participants, she was drawn to the opportunity because it offered something different: a paid, learn-while-you-earn pathway that allowed her to gain hands-on experience, earn a nationally recognized certification, and build a career without taking on debt or stepping away from her responsibilities.
Through the apprenticeship, Ally worked full time while completing the required 2,000 hours of structured, on-the-job training. During this time, she also welcomed her second child—a milestone that made the flexibility and support built into the apprenticeship model even more critical. With mentorship, coaching, and a clear pathway forward, Ally successfully earned her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential and became the first participant to fully complete the PCT Apprenticeship program.
But for Ally, the apprenticeship was not the end goal—it was the beginning.
With encouragement from mentors and the Workforce Development team, Ally enrolled at Florence-Darlington Technical College to pursue nursing. After completing her first semester, she transitioned into a Nurse Extern role at MUSC Health, allowing her to continue earning income while advancing her clinical skills. She went on to complete Practical Nursing school and now works as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at MUSC Health. Upon graduating from LPN school, Ally was honored with a Clinical Nurse Award in recognition of her dedication to patient care.
Ally’s journey reflects the power of accessible career pathways—and the impact of designing workforce programs around real lives.
The success of the PCT Apprenticeship is rooted not only in the employer’s commitment, but also in strong community partnerships. Organizations such as The Continuum have played an important role in supporting participants by helping address barriers that can interfere with training completion and career advancement. This collaborative, wraparound approach reinforces the idea that workforce development works best when employers, education partners, and community organizations move together toward shared outcomes.
As Ally and others progressed through the program, the results became clear. The PCT Apprenticeship strengthened frontline staffing, improved retention, and created a reliable pipeline of talent already trained in the organization’s culture and standards of care. Most importantly, it demonstrated that investing in people—especially those from rural and underserved communities—creates lasting value for both individuals and healthcare systems.
What began in the Pee Dee region has since informed MUSC Health’s broader workforce development strategy. The PCT Apprenticeship now serves as a foundational model for systemwide career pathways, helping guide expansion efforts across multiple regions and roles. By using apprenticeship as a front door into healthcare, MUSC Health is building a workforce that is skilled, diverse, and rooted in the communities it serves.
Ally’s story is one example, but it represents something much bigger: a workforce system designed with intention, equity, and opportunity at its core. Through paid training, supportive partnerships, and clear advancement pathways, the PCT Apprenticeship is opening doors—one person at a time—while strengthening the future of healthcare for entire communities.
