HACC and Penn State Health are partnering together to offer fully funded educational opportunities for aspiring and current healthcare professionals.
In July, Penn State Health and HACC launched pilot programs for medical assistants and phlebotomists. Through the programs, Penn State Health covers 100% of tuition and materials for its employees and for community members in exchange for one year of employment after completion of the program. The first of three pilot classes are now in session with 39 students enrolled.
Medical work directly with patients, assisting physicians and nurses with examinations, laboratory testing, medications and other tasks.
Phlebotomists collect blood from patients, so it can be tested to diagnose diseases or illnesses and determine treatment options.
Medical assistant and phlebotomist training programs provided through Penn State Health’s Grow Career Pathways include 100% paid tuition upfront as a loan. Upon completion of the certificate and once a Penn State Health employee, a proportion of the loan will be forgiven each pay period. That loan forgiveness is considered income and will be included on the paystub and will be taxed until the 1-year employment commitment has expired. These taxes will be spread across 26 pay periods and average $62 per pay period for medical assistants and $20 per pay period for phlebotomists.
“HACC is excited to partner with Penn State Health on this workforce development initiative and train individuals with a desire to enter healthcare occupations that continue to be in demand in our communities,” Al Griswold, HACC’s vice president of academic affairs, said in a news release. “At HACC, we are dedicated to providing exceptional, affordable healthcare training and education options for all. We are grateful to have a partner like Penn State Health to join us in this endeavor.”
HACC and Penn State Health plan to build program offerings over the next two years.
“To deliver on our mission and commitment to our community, we knew we needed to develop a portfolio of programs that removes financial barriers for those who want to start or advance their career,” Hillary Miller, vice president and chief learning officer for Penn State Health, said in the news release. “With GROW, we are empowering these individuals with choices.”
The community college and the health system said that additional classes will be offered in the near future but didn’t provide exact dates.
Information: www.pennstatehealth.org/grow-career-pathways; [email protected].
