Cooper, in conjunction with Camden County College and Impact Charities, has developed a new career-training program for Cooper team members interested in advancing their health care careers.
Funded by a grant from Impact Charities, a local non-profit, the Patient Care Technician Program is designed to prepare students to train for one of the fastest-growing professions in the health care industry today. The program focuses on building a complete and solid foundation for students in both classroom theory and hands-on clinical components. Upon completion, students will possess skills in basic and complex key concepts of anatomy and physiology, cardiac function, performing EKGs, growth and development, phlebotomy, nursing care, nutrition, therapeutic communication, psychology, and critical thinking. Classes are held on campus by Camden County College instructors to eliminate any barriers to attending classes. The first seven team members from various ancillary departments recently completed the training and may now interview for open positions at Cooper as Patient Care Technicians.
Kevin Bellmon, a host in the Food and Nutrition Department, is one of the first participants in the program. He has always expressed interest in wanting to do more in health care and was looking for the opportunity to learn something new. Wanting to expand his career, he reached out to the Staff Development Department and was persistent in seeking educational opportunities. When the program became available, he diligently worked his regular job while completing the four-month program in the evenings.
“This program has changed my life,” said Kevin. “I did not have the opportunity to go to college so this gave me the chance.” He said he looks forward to new opportunities thanks to this training.
Those who participated in the first group were: (l to r) Andrew Boyle, Brandon Miller, Devon Chapman, Aliselia Figueroa, Gina Johnson, Miranda Soto, and Kevin Bellmon, shown with their instructor (seated) Loisann Brady from Camden County College.
Plans are in development for news sessions of the program. Watch for more information.