Wiley launches new programs to support Sonora Quest's laboratory health care team and close critical skills gaps
HOBOKEN, N.J. - Sonora Quest Laboratories, one of the nation's largest integrated laboratory systems, today announced a collaboration with Wiley (NYSE: WLY) to provide its 3,800 employees with access to career-connected online education programs.
Sonora Quest's education and tuition benefits will be administered through Wiley Beyond, the Wiley solution that aligns talent strategy with business strategy. The collaboration empowers the Arizona-based company's employees to acquire new skills, pursue degrees and certifications, and advance their careers while helping the company close workforce skills gaps.
Sonora Quest's employees now have access to hundreds of online undergraduate and graduate programs as well as certificates and micro-credentials through Wiley Beyond's 72 partner institutions. This learning network includes a range of accredited institutions, from large, regional, and public universities to small, rural, and private nonprofit colleges across the country.
"As a values-driven leader in diagnostic and information services, Sonora Quest Laboratories recognizes the significant impact of employee education benefits on both our 3,800 employees and our patients across Arizona," said Sonora Quest Chief People Officer Lorraine Field. "Our collaboration with Wiley will provide our employees with every opportunity to learn and grow as health care professionals while also ensuring we continue to provide the high-quality expert service our patients expect."
Wiley Beyond's education offerings are aimed at closing skills gaps at Sonora Quest through customized career pathways for employees. These pathways include recommended programs, certificates and micro-credentials that meet each employee's goals, as well as current and future organizational needs. Many pathways align with the evolving skill set needed by Medical Laboratory Science professionals.
One of Sonora Quest's first employees to take advantage of Wiley's career-focused pathways was Mildred Beach, a Test Management Lab Manager. "I have worked in the laboratory industry for 27 years. Thanks to Sonora Quest's professional and financial support, I am earning a Bachelor of Applied Science (Health Sciences) to help me improve my leadership skills and confidence to continue striving for advancement opportunities within the organization," said Beach.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow 7% by 2031 as many current workers retire and leave the field. Amid already challenging worker shortages, health care organizations are turning to education solutions as part of their broader recruitment and retention strategies.
"Sonora Quest is addressing the talent and skills gaps facing health care organizations today by offering its 3,800 employees access to flexible education programs that directly support career advancement," said Todd Zipper, executive vice president at Wiley. "The customized career pathways will further support Sonora Quest's efforts to recruit and retain top health care talent for years to come, fostering lifelong learning opportunities with demonstrable career outcomes."
Sonora Quest joins a growing roster of 77 corporate employers across the country that are investing in their workforces through Wiley Beyond's more than 1,200 degree and non-degree education programs, including certificates and associate's, bachelor's and graduate degree programs. Wiley Beyond also partners with states, offering its tools and services to help eliminate skills gaps, increase employment and allow businesses to become more competitive in a global economy.
Explore career opportunities at Sonora Quest Laboratories by visiting sonoraquest.com/careers.
