Accelerated Healthcare Licensure and Employment for Medically Trained Veterans

Project Description Narrative:

Addressing the shortage of frontline healthcare workers in Wisconsin is a pressing public health concern, due to an aging population and increasing demand for healthcare services. This project focuses on creating accelerated licensing pathways for medics, corpsmen, and Air Force technicians (MCMTs) to fill these gaps and enhance healthcare workforce capacity.

The project aims to expand the Wisconsin Military Medics and Corpsmen Program (WisMAC) to include MCMTs transitioning from military service. By partnering with medical facilities and educational institutions, WisMAC will provide MCMTs with employment in high-need healthcare positions such as surgical technicians, respiratory therapists, radiology/imaging technicians, and lab technicians. Participants will undergo training and licensure under supervision, addressing skill gaps and ensuring readiness for frontline healthcare roles.

Implementing WisMAC will have significant impacts on Wisconsin's healthcare system by increasing access to care and improving health equity. By integrating medically trained veterans into healthcare settings through streamlined licensing pathways, the project not only addresses workforce shortages but also supports career advancement opportunities for veterans from underrepresented backgrounds. This initiative will benefit veterans and enhance patient care and healthcare delivery statewide, making it an important step towards sustainable healthcare workforce solutions in Wisconsin.