Throughout the Commonwealth, the shortage of healthcare professionals continues to cause concern for providers and individuals alike. Healthcare offers many highly rewarding and in-demand opportunities for those passionate about making a difference.
Whether you’re interested in direct patient care or behind-the-scenes roles, such as healthcare administration, medical coding, or health information technology, Virginia’s Community Colleges offer students the skills, knowledge and hands-on training needed to succeed – all while helping address Virginia’s critical workforce shortage.
Below are four students who were able to leverage healthcare training programs at their local community college and are making a lasting impact in their communities.
Kristie Kaypol, CNA Graduate, Mountain Empire Community College
“I had a wonderful experience with the Mountain Empire Community College and the FastForward program. It’s done amazing things for me and changed my life by opening up more job opportunities. Before, I was only able to be a home health care worker, but now I can go to the facilities and do full-time work while helping others, which makes me feel great.”
Quinton Monroe, Medical Laboratory Technology Student, Central Virginia Community College
“This program teaches us the skills that we need to go work in a medical laboratory. Our profession focuses on indirect patient care allowing us to perform tests that require a certain level of certification by the government. Originally, I structured my bachelor’s to go into direct patient care as a PA. But now I’m switching to medical laboratory technology because it more closely relates to biology and what I’m passionate about.”
Latrice Hilton, Medical Billing and Business Administration, Virginia Western Community College
“Virginia Western’s medical billing program has been great because I can do it at my own pace. When I get off from work, I give myself a break, at least an hour or two and then I can just jump right into it and not have any distractions and stay focused for longer on my schedule. It’s given me the opportunity to learn, not just from the older professionals but also to see things from a different perspective from the younger people as well.”
Jennifer Cooper, Nursing Student, Laurel Ridge Community College
“The program has just been phenomenal. It’s been a great support for me with a strong community, great location and very affordable. I was also able to receive funding, and that was a huge relief for our family. You know, we have other expenses like house and car payments and to have that funding, it just helps us stay out of credit card debt and continue on this journey without any financial worry.”
