Career by Design: The Mosaic Center’s Role in Shaping Indiana’s Healthcare Workforce

Since its launch in 2021, the Mosaic Center has emerged as a key driver of workforce development, intentionally building career pathways that expand opportunity for individuals while strengthening Indiana’s healthcare talent pipeline. Powered by IU Health and financially supported by community partners like Lilly Endowment, Mike and Sue Smith, and the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, the Mosaic Center brings together people, resources and proven practices to prepare job seekers for long-term success.

At its core, the center reflects a broader shift in workforce development: aligning education, training, and employment in ways that meet both individual aspirations and employer demand. By focusing on both community members and incumbent workers, the center is helping build a more resilient, responsive, and future-ready healthcare workforce.

The center targets three primary populations: high school students, underemployed job seekers, and current IU Health employees seeking career advancement. Through this targeted approach, individuals are connected to clearly defined pathways that lead to in-demand roles across the healthcare system.

“We really focus on early careers and those in the community and at IU Health who are looking to scale up,” says Rodney Francis, Executive Director of Workforce Development at the Mosaic Center. “That includes not just clinical roles, but also non-clinical roles which are essential to daily operations.”

Two internal certification programs anchor this work. The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) pathway prepares participants for clinical roles, while the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) pathway supports advancement into patient-facing administrative positions. Participants move from entry-level roles into higher-skilled positions.

What distinguishes the center is its comprehensive approach to career development. Participants receive individualized coaching, including skills assessment, resume building, mock interviews, and guidance on education and certification options. Community participants are connected directly with talent acquisition staff, giving their applications an internal advocate.

“As part of the program, participants are given dedicated time to study for certifications and are coached throughout the process,” says Melissa Wilson, Career Coach at the Mosaic Center. “That support helps them build confidence, reinforce accountability, and see a clear path forward within IU Health.”

For community participants, the pathway begins with career readiness training (CRT) from the nonprofit Training for Success. This three-week program immerses participants in IU Health’s culture, teaches career self-reflection, provides hospital tours, and guides values-based interview preparation.

“Most of them, especially from the surveys they take, have never been through any type of intensive experience like this,” says Tawnya McCrary, Program Director at Training for Success. “They learn a lot about themselves, gain confidence, and see how they can maneuver their path and succeed in a career rather than just a job.”

The center’s impact extends beyond individual advancement. By aligning workforce development efforts with organizational priorities, IU Health is doubling down on its ability to recruit, retain, and grow talent in critical roles while simultaneously expanding access to quality careers for Hoosier communities and economic mobility across Indiana.

To learn more about the Mosaic Center, visit MosaicCenterIN.org.

Power Up Indiana is a new incentive program rewarding employers to grow wages, build stronger teams, and turn talent development into a long-term business advantage. To learn more about Power Up Indiana, visit powerup.dwd.in.gov.