Building Career Pathways from Within: Via Christi’s Vocare Program Strengthens the Workforce
Strategies that address workforce recruitment and retention are essential to providing optimal health in Kansas. The Workforce Strategies Award recognizes a team of employees, providers or volunteers who have significantly contributed to the well-being, retention or recruitment of health care workers at their facility.
As health care organizations across Kansas continue to face workforce shortages, Via Christi has taken a proactive approach by investing in its own associates through the expansion of the Vocare Program. In April 2025, Via Christi broadened this initiative by launching the Vocare Tuition Program, reinforcing its commitment to career development, retention and long-term workforce stability.
The Vocare Tuition Program provides eligible associates with up to $5,250 in upfront tuition assistance annually and access to more than 1,000 online degree and certification programs designed for working professionals. Associates are eligible on day one of employment, whether full-time or part-time. High-demand degree offerings include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; associate, bachelor’s and MBA programs in health care management; associate degrees in information technology; and a variety of professional certificates such as medical billing and coding, Spanish for medical professionals, project management, human resources and IT.
Complementing this broad educational offering is Via Christi’s Vocare Surgical Technician curriculum and immersion program—the only program of its kind currently offered within Via Christi hospitals in Kansas. Launched in 2023 with support from Ascension’s Center for Career Advancement, the program was intentionally designed to address the critical shortage of surgical technicians in the state.
The associate-only program removes two of the most common barriers to career advancement: cost and time. Participants receive 100 percent paid training while maintaining their employment and benefits. The program combines eight months of online coursework through Franklin University with hands-on clinical rotations, preparing participants to transition directly into surgical technician roles. To date, three cohorts—totaling 10 graduates—have completed the program, directly strengthening Via Christi’s surgical services workforce.
Beyond filling positions, the Vocare Program has had a meaningful impact on associate wellbeing and retention. By offering a debt-free, clearly defined career pathway, Via Christi demonstrates a tangible investment in its workforce. Associates are empowered to grow professionally without sacrificing financial stability, increasing morale and loyalty.
Today, surgical technician positions at Via Christi are fully staffed—proof that intentional internal career pipelines can deliver lasting workforce solutions.