FAQ PAGE
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we get started with ICATAP at our healthcare facility?
Contact us to provide a presentation of our programs and how they can support staff training and development- we can answer many of your questions during this meeting. Afterward, meet with your team to determine if an apprenticeship program fits your organization.
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Next, meet with ICATAP staff to develop an agreed-upon contract of services. Determine which of your staff will be the primary liaison with ICATAP and which will mentor the apprentice(s). Apprentices can be onboarded with your facility and ours any day/week/month.
What are our steps to activate the ICATAP Apprenticeship Program?
What is the length of each program and how are they scheduled?
The Medical Assistant and Surgical Technology Programs are each 52 weeks with the apprentice engaged full-time in your facility for a minimum of 2000 hours during that time.
Outside of work, the apprentices engage in coursework through ICATAP. Coursework is designed in modules and can be sequenced to be studied as they are working in the same areas of clinical skill development the apprentice is engaged in on-site.
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ICATAP provides an assessment process at 60 and 90 days and at the 6-month mark. Measurement of progress is essential for all involved in the program. Reviews include the apprentice, the setting, and ICATAP academics.
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Life happens! ICATAP understands there may be instances where we work with the facility to address issues. In particular, during the first 90 days, it is possible to work with ICATAP to provide accommodations for additional support of an apprentice, or to replace an apprentice that may have to be removed from employment. The 90 policy does not incur additional costs if completed within that time period. ( one free replacement per position).
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After contracting with ICATAP and identifying your staff to be involved:
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The facility identifies staff mentors for apprentice(s)
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The organization advertises and hires apprentice(s)
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Apprentices are onboarded at the workplace in tandem with ICATAP.
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An agreed-upon schedule begins with full-time apprentice training on-site while coursework commences in the hybrid academic setting with ICATAP outside of the workday.
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Apprentices will be employed full-time for 52 weeks ( a minimum of 2000 hours of skill development) of on-site training.
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Apprentices move out of the program and remain in employment after completing the board exam* for the program.
* Hospitals must register their apprenticeship program for surgical technology in order to allow employees to sit for boards after 1 year.
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Note Regarding Termination.
If an apprentice is terminated by either the clinical site or ICATAP, the apprentice will not be continued by either partner.
How does the ICATAP curriculum compare to that of colleges and tech schools?
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ICATAP curriculum and program design were developed using standards of practice in the healthcare industry as represented by the respective certifying boards. The programs are framed for excellence following the guidelines and best practices recommended by the Higher Learning Commission.
What kind of diploma / certification will they receive?
ICATAP programs award a transcript and certificate for successful completion of the program.
Additionally, each candidate is able to sit for board exams to be certified. Please see each program page to determine which board exam is available after completion of the program. Those medical facilities that contract with ICATAP will receive a detailed package of information for the program(s) they are undertaking.