A surgical technologist at Corewell Health South in St. Joseph has been honored by Michigan Works with an Impact Award for her completion of the new Certified Surgical Technologist apprenticeship program.

Moniica Woods has worked for Corewell for about 20 years, helping doctors and patients as they prepare for surgery. She tells us she and coworkers always wanted to get certified, but that was difficult. That is, until Corewell Health, Michigan Works, and Lake Michigan College all created the new apprenticeship program.

“Because of the work that we do full time and also take surgical calls, it became impossible,” Wood said. “So when the idea was brought to us, I jumped on board and I thought it was very exciting. It would be a huge impact on our community as well.”

With the new program, Wood was able to continue working and getting paid while earning her certification. She tells us being certified helps her in a variety of ways.

“It just gives me more of a higher confidence in what I do every day because I’m a preceptor and educator. I train all the new orientees that come into my department, and just to have that extra bit of knowledge to help people to succeed, that’s what I love doing.”

Wood got into healthcare after her father died at a young age from cancer. She decided at that time she wanted to do something with her life that would help others.

Wood received the Michigan Works Impact Award at a celebration in Lansing after being nominated by peers. Michigan Works Association CEO Ryan Hundt says Moniica’s story is a testament to what’s possible when healthcare systems, educators, and workforce partners collaborate.