BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Jefferson State Community College and Ascension St. Vincent’s announce a new collaboration to provide training in healthcare careers. Jefferson State’s Center for Workforce Education, the college’s fast-track department for non-credit skills training, now manages Ascension St. Vincent’s Jeremiah’s Hope training program and provides education and wrap-around services in various healthcare programs.
“It’s a privilege for us to work with Jefferson State to offer this program on their campus to empower those who are interested in beginning a healthcare career,” said Cassie Perry, Ascension St. Vincent’s Market Director, Clinical Professional Development. “This program, paired with the resources offered through the college, will help us impact the lives of people by preparing them for a fulfilling and rewarding career in healthcare.”
“Jefferson State and St. Vincent’s are both committed to improving the lives of the people in our communities, so we are very excited to enter into this collaborative project,” said Jefferson State Director of Workforce Education Leah Bigbee. “We know the training opportunities through Jeremiah’s Hope will provide in-demand skills and literally change the lives of the participants. The collaboration will also benefit workforce needs by filling vacant jobs in our healthcare community.”
The Jeremiah’s Hope program provides scholarships to students seeking workforce training in high-need essential healthcare fields. Classes will take place across Jefferson State’s four campuses and currently are taking place in a hybrid learning environment. Programs that qualify for Jeremiah’s Hope scholarships include Administrative Medical Assistant, Clinical Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy, Patient Care Technician, and Sterile Processing Technician. The programs offered are directly aligned with the workforce talent needs of Ascension St. Vincent’s. In 2020, over 40 students were enrolled in healthcare training programs through Jeremiah’s Hope.
The programs in Jeremiah’s Hope include a career coach to assist each participant. The career coach will assist with support services and coaching to ensure participants progress in the program.
“We love seeing our students achieve their goals and we work hard to remove the barriers preventing their success,” said Jefferson State Career Coach Angela Payne. “Beyond compassionate instruction, we offer many wraparound services that make a significant difference, such as scholarship assistance, assistance with childcare expenses, loaner laptops and books, essential skills training, résumé assistance, and help in finding employment.”
Healthcare fast-track training at Jefferson State teaches skills necessary to enter the healthcare industry and addresses factors needed to assist participants in retaining employment. Together with Ascension St. Vincent’s, the program provides clinical education experiences required of the programs to ensure work-based learning competencies are met before entering the workforce.
To learn more about these training opportunities, call (205) 838-3856 or complete an online interest form at jhacademy.org.
