DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) - Essentia’s newest surgical technologists are ready to head to the operating table after successfully completing the apprenticeship program there.

Essentia Health created a 12-month paid apprentice program to help address staffing shortages within the rural healthcare system.

The hospital covers all costs associated with the program that combines studying, on-the-job training, and mentorship from current surgical technologists.

The first two apprentices to enroll in the program successfully graduated on Thursday and are now equipped to be Essentia employees for at least the next two years.

During the intimate graduation ceremony, Essentia leaders took time to recognize Jake Galatz and Elijah Zielke.

“This is a fully immersive, hands-on program where

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