S

Sanford Health

Nonprofit health system operating hospitals

Patient Care Technician Inpatient - SMCF Med/Surg

Part-Time
$17 - $24
Entry
Fargo, ND, USA
In Person
Medical, Clinical & VeterinaryNursing & Frontline Patient Care

About the job

Requirements
  • A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma is preferred but not required.
  • Knowledge of healthcare, anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and medical equipment and supplies is preferred.
  • Certified Nursing Assistant certification is preferred.
  • Obtain and maintain required department-specific competencies and certifications.
  • For work in North Dakota, if not a Certified Nursing Assistant, be listed on the North Dakota Department of Health Nurse Aide Registry after completing training and competency validation or within four months of initial employment.
  • For work in Wisconsin, be listed on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry with current work eligibility, or be a student nurse enrolled at an approved school who has completed a basic nursing course and 16 hours of clinical experience.
Responsibilities
  • Provide patient-centered nursing care and daily living assistance to assigned patients during scheduled work periods under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse.
  • Assist patients with activities of daily living.
  • Monitor and report changes in patient conditions.
  • Ensure patient safety and well-being.
Desired Qualifications
  • Knowledge of healthcare, anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and medical equipment and supplies is preferred.
  • Certified Nursing Assistant certification is preferred.

About the company

S

Sanford Health

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Website

Sanford Health is a large nonprofit health system that delivers hospital care, elder and post-acute services, and related health care through a network of hospitals, clinics, and senior care facilities across the Midwest. It operates by integrating multiple care settings into one system, supported by research and global health initiatives. Its model combines acute hospital care, long-term care, and post-acute services under a single organization, with a strong emphasis on philanthropy and mergers to expand reach and capabilities. The company differentiates itself through its breadth of services across the care continuum, extensive rural and regional presence, and a history of strategic mergers that create a full-spectrum care model rather than focusing on a single niche. Sanford Health’s goal is to provide comprehensive, accessible health care to communities, advance pediatric care and medical research, and extend health services through global clinics and partnerships.

Company Size

10,001+

Company Stage

Grant

Total Funding

$4.5M

Headquarters

Fargo, North Dakota

Founded

1894

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Sanford's September 2026 AI tools saved 100,000 hours and reduce clinician burden.
  • The North Memorial deal unlocks $600 million for Robbinsdale and Maple Grove modernization.
  • September 23, 2026 da Vinci 5 surgery in Bismarck strengthens Sanford's procedural depth.

What critics are saying

  • Minnesota's August 28, 2026 oversight agreement constrains service cuts until 2036.
  • Unions and nurses have challenged the North Memorial deal, prolonging integration and staffing friction.
  • If Twin Cities economics disappoint, Sanford's urban-expansion thesis collapses into a rural-only payer squeeze.

What makes Sanford Health unique

  • Sanford's 60-hospital rural-urban system spans Sioux Falls, Fargo, Bismarck, and Minneapolis.
  • The September 1, 2026 North Memorial merger adds EMS, trauma, and urban referrals.
  • Sanford's 1,100 clinical trials and nearly 80 virtual specialties broaden access across seven states.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Relocation Assistance

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

7%

1 year growth

7%

2 year growth

7%
The Public Opinion
Oct 28th, 2026
'Our patients come first:' Why Sanford Health could drop Wellmark coverage.

'Our patients come first:' Why Sanford Health could drop Wellmark coverage. Sioux Falls Argus Leader Oct. 28, 2026 Updated Oct. 29, 2026, 7:02 a.m. CT * Sanford Health has issued a notice to terminate its contract with Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, effective July 1, 2027. * The dispute centers on Sanford's objection to Wellmark retaining broad authority to unilaterally change contract terms affecting patient care and reimbursement. * For now, patients' coverage and scheduled appointments are not affected, as Sanford remains in Wellmark's network. Sanford Health has moved to end its commercial insurance contract with Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, effective July 1 unless the two organizations can resolve a dispute over contract terms affecting patient care and reimbursement. A Sanford Health press release published Monday stated that a notice of termination was issued to Wellmark, following months of negotiations between the health system and insurer. At the center of the dispute is how much authority Wellmark has to alter contract provisions after an agreement is signed. Sanford contends Wellmark wants to retain broad authority to change terms affecting how patients receive care and how Sanford is reimbursed. "Sanford Health believes patients deserve healthcare agreements that ensure stability, certainty and protect access to care within their communities, and Wellmark has been unwilling to compromise on its demands for exclusive control of decisions affecting patient care," Sanford stated in a press release. How does this affect patients? For now, Sanford remains in Wellmark's network, and patients' coverage, scheduled appointments, procedures and treatments are not immediately affected, according to the Sanford press release. The negotiations primarily affect Wellmark members and potentially BlueCare patients who receive care at Sanford facilities in South Dakota and Iowa. Lewis Drug pharmacies and Good Samaritan Society long-term locations, both of which are under the Sanford Health system, are not affected. The health care system emphasized in its release that predictable reimbursement and contract terms are particularly important in rural communities, where hospitals and clinics rely on long-term planning to maintain staff, facilities, emergency care and specialty services. The organization continued, stating in the release that uncertainty over payment and contract terms can complicate investments in staff and services and potentially make it more difficult to keep specialty and other care close to home. "Patients in rural communities should not have to travel farther or wait longer to receive care because of decisions made by an insurance company," Joshua Crabtree, M.D., chief physician at Sanford Health stated. "Also, patients should not have to choose between affordable health insurance and access to trusted local healthcare providers. Both matter." Crabtree also noted that health insurance should keep care affordable while ensuring patients can access trusted providers and services when and where they need them. If the organizations do not reach an agreement, Sanford would become out of network for affected Wellmark plans beginning July 1, affecting about 130,000, previous reporting from the Rapid City Journal stated. Patients could still receive care at Sanford, but coverage and out-of-pocket costs would depend on their individual Wellmark plans. Why Sanford is pushing back. According to Sanford's press release, "Wellmark has a history of exercising broad control to change terms in a way that materially affects providers, patient care and agreed upon reimbursement." "This power that they're demanding is not new," Sanford Chief Financial Officer Nick Olson stated. "However, as we approach the expiration of our existing contract with them on June 30, 2027, what we've learned in our existing contract is that they are willing to execute on that power and unilaterally change those key terms of the contract... It has become clear to us we cannot give them that sole authority to continue to be able to change those terms after we sign the contract, and without our consent." Sanford's experience with its other commercial insurers has generally operated differently, "through negotiation and mutual agreement when substantive contract changes are proposed," the health system's release stated. The organization also stated that it wants a new agreement that provides stable reimbursement, preserves local health care services and requires significant contract changes to be agreed upon by both organizations "rather than implemented by one party alone." "Our patients come first. Decisions affecting access to care and the future of local healthcare services must be mutually negotiated, not dictated by Wellmark," Olson stated in Sanford's announcement. "We cannot accept a contract that gives an insurance company the power to change the terms on its own, with consequences for the care our patients and communities depend on." And to answer the question as to whether Sanford's true intention is to steer patients toward its own health plan, as some have speculated considering the timing of the Wellmark announcement during open enrollment, Olson states that "it's simply not true." "We don't talk about Sanford Health Plan in any of our communications. You will not see Sanford Health Plan listed on our website as it relates to this communication," Olson told SDPB. "You'll not see that in any press release or news article. So we're certainly not attempting to direct them to us." Wellmark alleges 'Sanford's eyes are elsewhere' A Wellmark press release published Thursday stated that the insurance company has worked with Sanford Health for "many decades" and that it plans to continue negotiations with the health care organization. "Wellmark is committed to making health care better and managing costs for our members. We also believe our members deserve straight answers," the press release stated. "Sanford Health has raised concerns in public about our discussions, but those concerns pull attention away from the real issue. We believe it comes down to how much Sanford Health wants to be paid." Wellmark argued in the press release that Sanford's requested changes could make it more difficult for Wellmark to control costs for its members, and that the insurer proposed terms comparable to agreements it has reached with other South Dakota health care providers. Wellmark also criticized Sanford's recent expansion and investments outside South Dakota in its press release, including Sanford's recent $600 million investment involving North Memorial Health in Minnesota, as well as other mergers and expansions. "It [Sanford] has also spent hundreds of millions in other states expanding beyond South Dakota, including Michigan, Wisconsin and Wyoming," the company stated. "Even within South Dakota, Sanford Health is buying other hospitals and leaving patients with fewer health care options." Continuing to work 'in good faith' Both Wellmark's and Sanford's press releases stated, however, that the two organizations wish to continue discussions, working "in good faith" over the next eight months before the termination takes effect this summer. "Sanford remains committed to reaching a fair, sustainable agreement that protects patients, preserves access to local healthcare services and supports the long-term health of the communities we serve," the organization stated. That commitment includes market-appropriate reimbursement, dependable contract terms and continued access to critical services patients, Sanford's statement read "Our members come first," Wellmark stated in a press release. "South Dakotans deserve quality care from doctors they trust, at a price they can afford. That's why we welcome continued conversation with Sanford Health... So our members can keep receiving the care they need from the providers they know." Vanessa Carlson Bender is the Business and Entertainment Reporter at the Sioux Falls Argus Leader. Reach her at [email protected]. Deal of the Day Recommendations are independently chosen by its editors. Purchases you make through its links may earn The Public Opinion a commission.

InForum
Oct 23rd, 2026
Sanford clinic helps new mothers manage high blood pressure.

Sanford clinic helps new mothers manage high blood pressure. Sanford launched an outpatient clinic this year to help new mothers manage hypertension, a condition that can develop after pregnancy. October 23, 2026 at 5:28 PM News Reporting More stories for you. Enjoy learning the latest on nutrition, health, medicine & more. Please enter a valid email address. Something went wrong. Please try again later. Click below to see more newsletters. Loading Audio Player By Instaread, Please Wait... Conversation

Sanford Health
Oct 19th, 2026
Midwest emmys honor Sanford Health storytelling.

Midwest emmys honor Sanford Health storytelling. News team humanizes healthcare through patient and resident stories. October 19, 2026 Ava Krebs, 6, spent 202 days in the Sanford NICU and needed help at the specialty feeding clinic in Fargo, North Dakota. She is the subject of an Upper Midwest Emmy-winning story from Sanford Health. (Photo by Jason Anschutz, Sanford Health) Sanford Health has earned a second Upper Midwest Emmy. The organization earned six nominations in 2026. This is the first Emmy win for Sanford Health News multimedia journalist Jason Anschutz, who earned recognition from peers in television and media production for his work in the solo storyteller category. Regional Emmy awards were presented during a ceremony on Oct. 17 in Bloomington, Minnesota. Anschutz's Emmy-winning entry, "Feeding tubes and found family," is a compilation of three stories: "I'm grateful that Sanford Health values quality storytelling, and I'm honored to be recognized for the work I've done by the Upper Midwest chapter," Anschutz said after the announcement. "I've been doing this for 20 years, so this is extremely validating." This brings Sanford Health to 16 Emmy nominations and two wins in six years. Previously, Sanford Health News manager Matt Holsen and videographer Lonnie Nichols shared an Upper Midwest Emmy for a video story in the veterans and military content category. This year's other nominees from Sanford Health were: In Health/Medical - Short or Long Form Content, * "Our gal Sal." Matt Holsen - Producer, Lonnie Nichols - Videographer, Troy Timmerman - Producer. In Military - Short or Long Form Content, * "A final salute." Matt Holsen - Producer, Lonnie Nichols - Videographer. * "Service in a new uniform." Matt Holsen - Producer, Lonnie Nichols - Videographer. In Writer - Short or Long Form Content, In Solo Storyteller - Short or Long Form Content, Since 2021, Sanford Health has earned nominations in the categories of health and medical content, arts and entertainment, branded content, military content, solo storyteller, and sports story. The Upper Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is a membership organization dedicated to excellence in video and television by honoring exceptional work, past and present; providing professional development and outreach; and nurturing the next generation of television professionals. The Upper Midwest Chapter, based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, represents professionals in local television and media production from North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and western Wisconsin.

Sanford Health
Oct 7th, 2026
Heart association recognizes Sanford for heart, stroke care.

Heart association recognizes Sanford for heart, stroke care. Hospitals help save lives by using research-backed treatment guidelines. October 7, 2026 Surgeons place a stent in a heart patient. "Get With The Guidelines" awards recognize hospitals using research-based guidelines for heart disease and stroke care, helping save lives and support recovery. (Photo by Getty Images) Sanford Health medical centers in five states have received American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines achievement awards for demonstrating a commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of heart disease and stroke, helping save lives, support recovery and reduce hospital readmissions. Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 4 causes of death in the United States, respectively, according to the American Heart Association's 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report. Studies show patients can experience better outcomes when care teams consistently follow evidence-based treatment guidelines. Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest science-backed guidelines. "Every second counts when it comes to heart attacks and strokes, and our patients deserve access to high-quality, evidence-based care," said Vivek Gonugunta, M.D., a neurosurgeon at Marshfield Clinic. "By following the American Heart Association's quality improvement protocols, Marshfield Clinic can help advance our shared vision of better patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates." As participants in the Get With The Guidelines programs, Sanford Health medical centers in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin qualified for the awards by demonstrating a sustained commitment to improving the quality of cardiovascular care. "Sanford USD Medical Center is committed to delivering high-quality care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines and streamlining processes to ensure timely, appropriate care for heart attacks and strokes," said Dean Kusler, vice president of orthopedics and neurology at Sanford Health. "Get With The Guidelines programs help our teams put proven science into practice every day, supporting better outcomes so more people in Sioux Falls can live longer, healthier lives." Stroke and heart care honor roll. This year, Sanford Health medical centers received these achievement awards: Stroke participating. * Prairie Lakes Health System * Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center * Sanford Worthington Medical Center Rural stroke bronze. * Marshfield Medical Center - Minocqua * Marshfield Medical Center - Park Falls * Sanford Hillsboro Medical Center * Sanford Webster Medical Center * Sanford Jackson Medical Center * Sanford Vermillion Medical Center Rural stroke silver. * Sanford Bemidji Medical Center * Sanford Canby Medical Center * Sanford Canton-Inwood Medical Center * Sanford Chamberlain Medical Center * Sanford Clear Lake Medical Center * Sanford Luverne Medical Center * Sanford Sheldon Medical Center * Sanford Tracy Medical Center * Sanford Westbrook Medical Center * Sanford Medical Center Thief River Falls * Sanford Wheaton Medical Center * Marshfield Medical Center Rural stroke gold. * Sanford Health Mayville Stroke gold plus with target type 2 diabetes honor roll, advanced therapy honor roll and Stroke elite plus honor roll. * Sanford Medical Center Fargo Stroke gold plus with target type 2 diabetes honor roll, advanced therapy honor roll and Stroke elite honor roll. * Sanford Bismarck Medical Center Stroke gold plus with target type 2 diabetes honor roll, advanced therapy honor roll. * Sanford USD Medical Center Stroke gold plus with type 2 diabetes honor roll, stroke honor roll elite plus. * Marshfield Medical Center "This recognition reflects the dedication of Marshfield Clinic physicians, nurses and care teams who work every day to deliver exceptional care for patients experiencing heart attacks and strokes," said Brian Hoerneman, M.D., president and CEO of Marshfield Clinic. "Their focus on quality, teamwork and continuous improvement helps save lives and improve recovery." The health system earned praise from the American Heart Association Quality Oversight Committee. "These awards reflect Sanford Health's commitment to caring for people in their community who need cardiovascular care," said Karen E. Joynt Maddox, M.D., MPH, chair of the committee. "By following the American Heart Association's quality improvement protocols, Sanford Health can help advance our shared vision of better patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates - a win for patients, families and health care systems." Kate Stock, director of internal communications, regional communications, contributed to this report.

Sanford Health
Sep 28th, 2026
Aakhus, MD, and Rudolf, APRN, CNP, join Sanford Bemidji.

Aakhus, MD, and Rudolf, APRN, CNP, join Sanford Bemidji. BEMIDJI, Minn. - Sanford Health is pleased to welcome Angie Aakhus, MD, and Sheryl Rudolf, APRN, CNP, to the dermatology team at the Sanford Bemidji 1611 Anne Street Clinic. Aakhus is a board-certified dermatologist with fellowship training in micrographic surgery and cutaneous oncology. She specializes in treating skin cancer using Mohs surgery, which is a precise technique used to treat certain types of skin cancers by removing thin layers of tissue and examining each layer under a microscope until no cancer cells remain. Mohs surgery helps achieve high cure rates of skin cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. She also evaluates and removes certain benign skin growths and cysts. Aakhus, who was born and raised in Bemidji, said she is grateful for the opportunity to provide dermatology care in her hometown. "I view it as a privilege to care for my patients and never take for granted the trust they place in me," Aakhus said. "My approach is centered on listening, clear communication and treating each patient with the same care and attention that I would want for a family member." Aakhus is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Mohs Surgery, the American College of Mohs Surgery and the Minnesota Dermatological Society. Rudolf is a nurse practitioner who provides medical and surgical care for patients with conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails. She diagnoses and treats a variety of conditions, including acne, autoimmune diseases, dermatitis, eczema, hair and nail abnormalities, psoriasis, rashes, rosacea and skin cancer. Her services include comprehensive skin examinations, dermatologic procedures, laboratory and diagnostic testing and interpretation, medication prescribing, and skin care education and counseling. Rudolf said she takes a personalized approach to dermatology care, focusing on how skin conditions can affect a person's overall health and quality of life. "My approach to care begins with listening to patients and understanding how their skin condition affects their health, confidence and quality of life," Rudolf said. "I provide thorough evaluations, clear communication and individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs and goals." Outside of work, Aakhus enjoys spending time with her husband, Jack, and their three children. The family enjoys living on the lake, spending time outdoors and traveling. Rudolf also enjoys spending time with her husband and three children and exploring northern Minnesota through boating, fishing and other outdoor activities. Aakhus is accepting referrals for Mohs surgery and excisions, and Rudolf is accepting new patients at the Sanford Bemidji 1611 Anne Street Clinic. To learn more or schedule an appointment with the dermatology team, call (218) 333-5310. About Sanford Health Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the healthcare experience and providing access to world-class healthcare in America's heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 55,000 employees and serves more than 2 million patients and nearly 415,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 58 hospitals, 289 clinic locations, 145 senior care communities, 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and 1,100 active clinical trials and studies. The organization's transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to nearly 80 specialties. More than 400 residents and fellows are trained each year through graduate medical education with Sanford Health fully funding and supporting 29 of the 40 available programs. Sanford Health also includes 92 retail pharmacies, including Sanford and Lewis Drug pharmacies with locations in 6 states, and more than 300 pharmacists. Learn more about Sanford Health's commitment to shaping the future of rural healthcare across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.