By Bartholomew Jae, Contributing Writer

The healthcare industry is navigating an unprecedented generational shift, with Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials and Generation Z all working alongside each other and Generation Alpha set to join soon. As a result, healthcare organizations are tasked with catering to different work preferences and learning styles to maximize efficiency and foster collaboration. 

With Baby Boomers retiring in record numbers, organizations have to walk a fine line between effectively transferring knowledge and skills to the next generations and adapting to their unique expectations without underserving experienced, veteran workers. Healthcare organizations in particular have a higher expectation of an effective transition because they must work simultaneously to ensure that staff and patient safety and comfort remains intact. 

Multifaceted training programs and certifications can help organizations strike this balance by equipping all workers with standardized skills while allowing flexibility in the way they learn and apply their expertise. In healthcare, having a workforce with certifications built upon uniform knowledge minimizes skill gaps and ensures consistency in performance and quality of work.

Certifications matter 

The role of certifications in the healthcare industry is critical, showcasing that workers of all ages possess a consistent level of expertise in their domains. Given the diversity of ages, backgrounds and learning styles in today’s workforce, certifications demonstrate that workers have a shared foundation of knowledge and meet specific standards. 

For less experienced employees, certification programs serve as the foundational blocks and steppingstones to career advancement, whether the achievement is standing out to hiring managers or demonstrating their commitment to education and eagerness to upskill themselves. 

For established workers, certification programs serve as an opportunity to validate their knowledge and seasoned expertise to remain competitive in an ever-changing industry. Certifications give experienced workers an opportunity to reinforce their credibility while adapting to the dynamic nature of the profession. 

In addition to validating employee expertise, certifications elevate an organization’s reputation through the prioritization of continuous education. Industry-recognized certifications signal that workers have the knowledge and experience to handle the chaotic nature of healthcare with accuracy and professionalism. The increased level of trust a certified workforce provides can lead to a more confident workforce, improved efficiency and long-term organizational growth. 

To equip an educated and prepared workforce, healthcare organizations must encourage their employees to continuously upskill themselves by obtaining certifications. In providing these opportunities to workers, organizations build a more confident workforce while enhancing their reputations in the healthcare industry. 

Identifying the proper certifications needed for their workforces allows employers to recruit prospects with the necessary skills and elevate current employees. By prioritizing training and obtaining certifications, healthcare organizations stress the importance of an educated workforce that is achieved through proper talent recruitment and development of workers’ skills. 

Standardizing certification 

Advancing workers’ knowledge via certification exams helps inexperienced workers enter the healthcare industry, and it allows seasoned workers to reaffirm their expertise, expand their skillsets and continue advancing throughout their careers. Studying to pass a rigorous certification exam is beneficial at any age, whether the training programs are delivered in-person, as self-paced online modules or a hybrid of the two. Preparation courses and learning paths can be adapted for various learning styles and approaches. 

Different generations approach preparing for a certification exam with distinct expectations. For veteran workers, a traditional classroom setting often is a familiar way to validate their skills while filling in gaps. Younger generations might have different expectations. Millennial and Gen Z workers might feel disengaged or even disappointed if certification preparation courses do not incorporate digital learning elements, such as interactive online modules and emerging virtual reality-based simulations. By accommodating both preferences, healthcare leaders can help bridge this gap. 

Certifications also help break down generational silos to strengthen uniform knowledge across all workers. Knowledge transfers are mainly informal and natural, so structured certification programs ensure critical skills and tangible insights do not get lost or disappear when veteran workers retire. 

Offering training opportunities for workers across generations that meet the needs of their learning styles and preferences allows workers to continuously learn and improve. By ensuring the educational content is consistent regardless of the desired method, these programs remain credible and engaging for all generations, decreasing the risk of knowledge gaps across a wide workforce. 

Certified, cohesive workforces 

While the benefits of certification programs and preparation courses are evident in aiding the transition of knowledge across generations, healthcare leaders must implement strategic tactics to seamlessly bridge the generational divide. Employers and leaders must take a proactive approach in unifying knowledge and education across generations, including: 

Personalizing certification pathways. By accommodating the learning needs of each generation through certification programs, healthcare leaders and employers can ensure that all workers can validate their knowledge and skills in ways that works best for them. For example, experienced workers with existing certifications might benefit from continuous education programs focused on the latest updates to codes and standards, while newer workers might benefit from comprehensive programs as they prepare for their initial certification exams. 

Encouraging mentorship across generations. Experienced workers, such as Baby Boomers and Generation X, can help entry-level employees apply their certification knowledge in real-world and hands-on scenarios, while less experienced employees can introduce technological efficiencies to seasoned professionals. This scenario creates a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and practical insights across generations while improving efficiency and safety. 

Emphasizing link between certifications and careers. Unlike other degree or certificate programs, certifications require that workers meet continuing education or professional development requirements. By clearly defining the way certifications impact promotions, salary increases and job stability, leaders can provide newer workers with the adequate tools and knowledge to propel them into a successful career in healthcare. 

Healthcare organizations that prioritize continuous education and development among employees through certifications differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape by demonstrating a commitment to continuous education and fostering a more confident workforce. 

The intricate and diverse nature of the modern workforce presents healthcare organizations with challenges and opportunities. While accommodating a workforce spanning five generations certainly comes with challenges, leaders who acknowledge the unique skills, values and expectations of each generation will reap the benefits. 

Organizations that cultivate an educated workforce through standardized certifications demonstrate a commitment to employee growth, skill development and industry excellence, leading to increased business growth. For healthcare leaders, organizational success depends on adapting to a multi-generational workforce through training and certification programs to foster collaboration, bridge knowledge gaps and drive industry growth. 

Bartholomew Jae is director of training and certifications at NFPA.