The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) has granted continued accreditation to Partner Solutions’ medical laboratory science (MLS) certification program until April of 2030. Chicago-based Partner Solutions housed within Valparaiso University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions offers specialized workforce training to healthcare providers throughout an expanding market, including Chicago and northwest Indiana, by working directly with healthcare employer partners.
Originally scheduled to undergo the re-affirmation of accreditation process in April 2027, the MLS program received early continued accreditation in recognition of its demonstrated quality and success. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 3% growth in the sector by 2035 and approximately 20,800 clinical laboratory technician jobs opening each year, making it a field where Valparaiso University and Partner Solutions are filling a critical workforce need in healthcare.
The continued accreditation reflects Partner Solutions’ growing impact on the healthcare workforce and its commitment to providing high-quality, accessible professional training. Partner Solutions also offers skills training for certified nursing assistants (CNA), medical assistants and phlebotomy technicians, helping healthcare organizations build a workforce equipping healthcare professionals with the skills needed to deliver high-quality patient care.
Recently, at the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders and the Indiana Primary Healthcare Association held conferences in September and October, respectively, Partner Solutions was recognized for the quality of its training and its positive impact on the healthcare workforce. The program has been especially successful at helping healthcare employers reduce turnover and improve retention among newly trained employees. By allowing employers to prioritize candidates who align with their organizational culture and values, while providing the technical training needed for success, Partner Solutions helps address one of the healthcare industry’s most costly workforce challenges.
“Having a sense of belonging within an organization is a primary factor contributing to employee retention in healthcare,” Elizabeth Gmitter, Ph.D., PT, M.S, dean of College of Nursing and Health Professions, said. “With our model, you hire, we train, you benefit. Our partners provide the trainees who first fit their organizational culture, and we curate the training to what they need.”
For healthcare organizations, this training model provides greater flexibility to hire individuals who are the right fit for their organization, knowing that the necessary technical skills can be developed through Partner Solutions. For employees, Partner Solutions offers accessible, flexible training that accommodates their schedules while creating opportunities for healthcare career entry and advancement. Participants can complete training online, in person at Valparaiso University’s downtown Chicago training center or their employer’s facilities, or through a hybrid format designed to accommodate their professional and personal commitments. The cohort-based approach also fosters relationships among participants, creating a sense of community and belonging that can strengthen employee engagement and retention.
Partner Solutions works with medical centers across the Chicago area, including University of Chicago Medicine and Central DuPage Hospital. Building on its success in Illinois, the program has expanded its partnerships into Indiana, including a collaboration with WindRose Health Network, with plans to continue broadening its reach to serve additional healthcare organizations and communities.
Healthcare employers and individuals interested in professional certification or workforce training opportunities are encouraged to contact Partner Solutions at 219.464.5800 or to learn more.
