Success in Action: Employer Testimonials
Success Stories Shaping the Future of Work
At Lasell University, our Workforce Development programs go beyond training -- they transform lives and organizations. Each success story is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and tailored solutions. From helping hospitals address critical staffing shortages to empowering educators with cutting-edge tools, our partnerships create meaningful, measurable impact. Explore how we've helped businesses grow, employees thrive, and communities strengthen through education and workforce development.
Surgical Technologist Program Fills Critical Role for Massachusetts Hospitals
Surgical technologists are essential to every hospital operating room, maintaining a sterile environment and keeping doctors and nurses supplied with the right tools. With a high vacancy rate in this role throughout Massachusetts, many hospitals are challenged with finding the staff they need.
Beth Israel Lahey Health turned to Lasell for help. With our Surgical Technologist Certificate Program, employees from five of BILH’s 13 hospitals have the opportunity to advance from roles like administrative assistants, central processing technologists, and OR attendants to surgical technologists.
“Lasell helped us solve a major workforce development priority, with programs that trained our own employees for hard-to-fill vacancies, instead of relying on outside hiring,” explains Emily Dodge Beck Sloat, Senior Program Manager, Workforce Planning and Development at Beth Israel Lahey.
Speed was important. “Lasell helped us get students trained at an accelerated pace. They were flexible, easy to communicate with, open to feedback, and responsive,” says Sloat.
The experience was a win for hospital learners, as well as their employers. “This program provided a new path forward,” noted Sloat, “Expanding opportunity and reinforcing Beth Israel Lahey Health employees’ commitment to our hospitals.”
UMass Memorial Hospital faced a similar staff shortage of certified surgical technologists. We helped them solve it with a customized certification program, launching a pilot at their main medical center.
“Over 300 employees were interested in learning about the pilot,” said Kelly Aiken, UMMH Director of Workforce Development and Planning. Ultimately, 60 applications were received for 20 spots in the program.
UMMH considered other programs, but “Lasell’s accelerated, hybrid program suited our needs,” said Aiken. “Our caregivers could learn remotely and on-site at our hospital, eliminating the need to travel. Lasell also hired instructors familiar with UMass Memorial Health and could teach accordingly.”
“As our first Earn and Learn initiative that offers employees paid learning time and flexible scheduling, this program marks a significant milestone for UMass Memorial Health,” added Aiken. “It’s filling critical positions while supporting our employees in their career growth at the same time.”
Universal Learning Design Certification: Giving Teachers New Tools and Advancing Educational Goals in Northern Ireland
With the goal of training teachers to better support all types of learners, The Odyssey Trust of Northern Ireland approached Lasell to develop and deliver a graduate certificate program in Universal Design Learning, a framework that leverages digital technology.
Called LANTEC, the project depended on successful collaboration between multiple stakeholders: W5 LIFE, Microsoft Ireland, and Lasell. Working to a tight timeline, Lasell stood up a seven-month pilot for 80 teachers in just six weeks. Divided into four cohorts, teachers represented all stages of school, from preschool through post primary (high school).The pilot set out to advance policy goals related to education and professional development for teachers in Ireland.
With the 2023-2024 pilot a resounding success, plans are underway to launch the next cohort in November 2024, and scale the program throughout the UK.“The program would not have taken place without Lasell,” said Robert Fitzpatrick, CEO of The Odyssey Trust, “I view them as an essential part of our development program going forward. Lasell is a committed, professional, dedicated partner, one I am very proud to have alongside me.”
“This course has been over and above my expectations and built my professional pedagogy.”
—Universal Design Learning participant, 2023-2024
“I see all my students in a different light.”
—Universal Design Learning participant, 2023-2024
“It has been fantastic to further develop my own knowledge and understanding of UDL. It has completely changed my focus in the classroom.”
—Universal Design Learning participant, 2023-2024
“The assignments have been challenging at times, but very beneficial to challenge your thinking and understanding to make positive changes in the classroom.
—Universal Design Learning participant, 2023-2024
