Features

CMS Launches Employee eLearning Program

November 10, 2009

Correctional Medical Services, Inc. (CMS) is pleased to introduce an innovative eLearning initiative designed to provide its medical unit staff with easy, intuitive access to a variety of onsite professional education resources.

The CMS eLearning program involves the deployment of dedicated computer learning kiosks to company medical units around the country. The kiosks feature a computer with high-speed access to customized Web-based staff training and educational materials. Learning modules on the system include sections on new employee orientation, nursing continuing education, and annual company training. Courses comprise a mix of self-directed units and instructor led WebEx sessions hosted by company clinical managers. Participants can print certificates of completion at the kiosk following each course.

The program is currently being piloted in six CMS medical units in Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, and Virginia. More than 350 staff members currently have access to the system at their worksites.

“The eLearning program is an excellent way for CMS field employees to train and review a wide range of educational topics,” said CMS Director of Training and Development Pat Keeley. “Employees now have a dedicated learning center on-site, so they can complete Web courses, watch instructional videos and view company presentations when convenient during the workday. It’s a very efficient and cost-effective teaching tool and enables our employees to remain updated on the latest in professional and company education.”

Patricia Allen, Health Service Administrator at Virginia Beach Correctional Center in Virginia, says she is happy her site is one of the pilot sites and is encouraged by the electronic educational offerings available through the system.

“I’m looking forward to using the system for new employee orientation because it will save us both time and resources,” said Pat. “For example, the orientation module is divided into sections with self-tests and assessments, so our employees can track their own progress and understanding without someone else having to manually do that. Of course, we still will have personal, guided orientation, but the eLearning courses will make it a lot easier to digest and go through the necessary printed instruction.

The initiative, targeted toward site healthcare professionals, complements the company’s already existing Learn Management System (LMS) focusing on Web-based training and resources for field management.

CMS’ proprietary eLearning program will expand to another two dozen sites this October and continue to be phased in at additional locations throughout the country in 2010.