Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is West Shore Medical Center?
A: Located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, Manistee County is home to West Shore Medical Center. Beautiful beaches, endless outdoor recreation, a historic downtown district, and charming outlying communities make Manistee a desirable place to live. Here you'll have an opportunity to use your skills while living in one of the most beautiful environments anywhere.
For more information on living in the Manistee area, visit
www.ManisteeCounty.com or call the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce at (231) 723-2575 to request an information packet.
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Q: What makes WSMC different?
A: West Shore Medical Center offers a full range of emergency, diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitation services in a newly updated facility. The 25-bed critical access hospital in Manistee blends the professionalism, skill, and expertise found in a large medical facility with the personalized, compassionate care you’d expect at your hometown hospital.
West Shore proudly offers private inpatient rooms, an expanded maternal and newborn center, and a renovated critical care unit.
Established in 1970, the hospital is an independent affiliate of the Munson Healthcare System.
West Shore offers 24-hour emergency care, inpatient and outpatient surgery, critical care, medical/surgical care, obstetrics, radiology, cardiac and respiratory therapy, physical rehabilitation services, clinical laboratory, and health education.
Affiliated outpatient services are available in downtown Manistee, Bear Lake, and Wellston. The Northwest Michigan Health Center, adjacent to the hospital, includes physician practices, renal dialysis services, and a fitness center.
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Q: What is the organizational culture like?
A: West Shore associates are dedicated, compassionate professionals who are committed to providing the best patient care possible. They are team players with good communication skills and the ability to work independently.
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Q: What kinds of employment opportunities are available?
A: WSMC has clinical and non-clinical positions available for both experienced and entry-level associates. Education, licensing, and certification requirements are included in individual job descriptions and vary by position.
Many of our clinical staff members are generalists with years of experience. In WSMC's "flat" organizational hierarchy, these staffers take on a high level of responsibility, which allows them to offer input and make decisions in a wide variety of situations.
These veteran associates also act as mentors, offering training and support to our less-experienced staff.
Our more experienced associates can take advantage of management and advancement opportunities. Less-experienced staffers are encouraged to pursue opportunities for advancement and further education.
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Q: Are there volunteer opportunities available?
A: We always welcome volunteers to the West Shore Medical Center community. They help out in a number of areas, allowing the staff to concentrate on patient care.
Read more about volunteering with the West Shore Medical Center Auxiliary.
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Q: How do I apply for a position at West Shore?
A: WSMC updates positions on the website on an as-needed basis. If you are interested in one of our posted positions, you may
apply online. Upon submission of the online application, you will be asked to take a pre-employment survey administered through Munson Healthcare.
All applicants must complete this survey in order to be considered for employment at West Shore Medical Center. We will conduct a criminal history background check as part of the screening process.
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Q: Does WSMC offer competitive pay and benefits?
A: WSMC offers a competitive pay and benefits package. We do regular wage surveys and offer a benefit plan that associates can tailor to their individual or family needs.
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Q: Is support available for continuing education?
A: West Shore supports associates who wish to pursue specialized training in their field, offering tuition reimbursement and loan programs for full- and part-time associates. Individual departments also provide educational and training opportunities. Read more about
tuition reimbursement and loans here.
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Q: Are there employment opportunities for spouses or family members?
A: The northern Michigan region is growing and offers many employment opportunities for people of all skill levels and experience.
West Shore's Human Resources Department will assist you and your spouse with potential employment opportunities. There are also employment options for young people who are looking for after-school or summer employment.
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Q: What is the area's educational climate?
A: Manistee County has an excellent school system with three public school districts and several independent school options. A state-of-the-art, $22 million high school opened in the city of Manistee in 2002. Vocational training programs are available as well as dual-enrollment opportunities with West Shore Community College.
Find more information about area schools.
Manistee offers easy access to post-high school education.
West Shore Community College is just 20 miles south of the city of Manistee and offers a variety of degree programs.
The West Shore Education Center, completed in June 2008, is a collaborative effort between WSMC and West Shore Community College. Located on the front of the hospital, the addition provides meeting and educational space for the hospital during the day and classroom space for the college’s Manistee courses in the evening.
In Traverse City, 60 miles to the northeast,
Northwestern Michigan College and the University Center offer numerous associate, bachelors, and post-graduate programs.
Other advanced education options are also available in Cadillac, Big Rapids, and Muskegon.
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Q: What cultural activities does the area offer?
A: The Manistee area offers a variety of cultural and historical attractions. The city was rebuilt after a major fire in 1871 and many of the fine, brick buildings and "painted lady" Victorian mansions remain as reminders of the prosperous lumber era. Several are open to the public for tours, including the Manistee County Historical Museum, the Babcock House, and the historic Manistee Fire Hall, the oldest operating firehouse in Michigan.
The recently restored
Ramsdell Theatre is home to the Manistee Civic Players, the Manistee Art Institute, and other performing arts organizations. Built in 1903, the theatre is host to many cultural arts programs and performing artists. Many special events and festivals take place in the area year round.
Interlochen Center for the Arts, an internationally renowned performing arts school, offers a year-round lineup of music, dance, visual art, poetry reading, photography exhibits, and more. Artists as diverse as Yo Yo Ma, Jewell, and Bob Dylan all have graced the Interlochen stage.
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp a summer music camp with art, dance, and theater programs for talented young people, is nearby to the south.
An array of cultural offerings also can be explored in Traverse City, one of Northern Michigan's larger cities, located 60 miles northeast of Manistee.
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