New Genesis Apprenticeships Bring Health Care Pathways to Bemidji
Sanford Bemidji is launching a Genesis apprenticeship program with applications open through Dec. 31, providing multi day rotations and training for residents who want to explore health care careers. The first local cohort will begin Jan. 12, 2026, offering hands on experience in several entry level positions and career coaching for people without prior health care experience.
Sanford Bemidji announced that it will begin offering the Genesis Program in Bemidji, providing apprenticeships and multi day rotations designed to expose participants to a range of health care careers. Applications are open now through Dec. 31, 2025, and the first local cohort is scheduled to start Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.
The program rotates apprentices among three career areas over three weeks, spending three days in each selected area. Local positions available in the program include patient access representative, nursing assistant, environmental services technician, food service assistant and behavioral health rehabilitation assistant. Organizers say training and career coaching are included and that candidates do not need prior health care experience. They are seeking people with a passion for helping others.
Program leaders describe Genesis as an "extended interview", allowing candidates to experience real work while giving leaders a chance to assess fit and participants an opportunity to "try before you buy". The design aims to give residents practical exposure to daily duties and workplace culture before committing to a specific role or training pathway.
Genesis began in Sioux Falls in spring 2024 and expanded to Fargo in 2025. Its arrival in Bemidji offers a local entry point to health care employment and may provide new options for people seeking stable work with on the job training and coaching. For residents considering a career change, recent high school graduates exploring options, or family members looking for meaningful work close to home, the program reduces barriers to entry by not requiring previous experience.
Sanford Bemidji will place participants into rotations at its facilities and provide guidance about next steps toward certification or permanent positions where applicable. With applications closing at the end of December, organizers encourage interested residents to apply promptly to secure a place in the January cohort.
