In early August, JVS launched a new partnership with UC San Diego Health to train jobseekers for a career as a sterile processing technician—a high-quality job with good wages and growth potential. The program, located in San Diego, will run from August 6 through December 15, 2024.  

The program is designed for employees of UC San Diego Health, primarily those working in housekeeping, janitorial, and food services. A comprehensive upskilling curriculum, including hands-on training, theoretical instruction, and real-world experience, will prepare graduates to transition into high quality job opportunities on the clinical side of healthcare work. At Southwestern College in San Diego, participants will learn to handle, clean, and sterilize medical instruments, adhering to industry standards and best practices. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be awarded a Certificate of Proficiency from Southwestern College and be eligible to apply to relevant UC San Diego Health job openings. 

Staffing shortages in the healthcare industry are also impacting ancillary departments, including sterile processing. By partnering with UC San Diego Health, JVS’s new training program equips graduates with the essential skills and knowledge for effective sterilization, infection control, and patient care in healthcare settings. This comprehensive approach ensures high-quality sanitization practices and cultivates a well-rounded workforce capable of contributing to patient safety and comfort. The program builds a pipeline of skilled workers to meet local healthcare staffing needs, addressing both technical and patient-centered aspects of healthcare delivery. Graduates will also benefit from a stable career path, with sterile processing jobs in California expected to grow 13.9% between 2018-2028.  

“By wisely investing in its existing workforce, UC San Diego Health is proactively addressing worker shortages that are constraining the healthcare sector—and, more importantly, providing meaningful career growth opportunities for its employees,” said Lisa Countryman-Quiroz, CEO of JVS. “At a time when one-third of California households don’t earn enough to cover their basic necessities like rent and groceries, career training programs like this are more important than ever. We are grateful to UC San Diego Health and Southwestern College for their partnership, and look forward to watching program participants learn, succeed, and access quality careers in this field.”