Interested in getting a head start or leveling up in your healthcare career? Join Rowan College at Burlington County on their Facebook Town Hall this Wednesday, at 6 pm, as they discuss HealthWorks, an exciting new grant program. 

HealthWorks, a federal initiative, aims to give participants the opportunity to advance their healthcare career training for free while also supporting the needs of healthcare employers. This program encompasses a number of RCBC’s healthcare training pathways, including Medical Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant, Central Services Technician and more. 

“Healthworks is designed to lift people up by taking people who are either unemployed or looking to level up and giving them a pathway to employment,” Director of Program Development for RCBC’s Workforce Development Institute Linda Bobo said. “It’s also a way for ManorCare (RCBC’s employer partner) to identify employees in their organization to advance to higher-paying positions.”

RCBC Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) apprentice Melody DeJesus Garcia is one of those employees. Having worked in the healthcare field as a direct support professional for several years, she embraced the opportunity to advance her skills and position. After completing the program, she will earn both her CNA certificate and certification from the U.S. Department of Apprenticeships. 

“The program is a great experience,” DeJesus Garcia shared. “I like the fact that I’m getting licensed, and I love the fact that it’s free. I have two kids, so it’s hard to juggle work, my children and school, but this program makes it easier.”

Lisa Mosesson, Human Resources Director at ManorCare, asserted that HealthWorks is not only helping the community, but it’s also helping her facility to expand their CNA pool and continue to hire more qualified candidates.

“I know that there are students at RCBC interested in getting into the medical field, and this is a really good way for them to start their careers,” Mosesson said. “Melody has been an asset; she is always on time, she cares about her patients and we’re glad to have her here.” 

Faith Kallert, Business Liaison of the HealthWorks Scaling Apprenticeship for the Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development at Bergen Community College, noted that apprenticeships lead to long-term employment and career growth.

“92% percent of apprentices who go through employers are retained and stay there for many years because they see they are valued and see that they are part of the career ladder,” Kallert said. 

Follow RCBC on Facebook at @RowanCollegeAtBurlingtonCounty to stay up-to-date on all upcoming town halls.