HARRISBURG, Pa. – HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, and Penn State Health proudly announce a partnership to offer fully funded educational opportunities for aspiring and current healthcare professionals.

In July 2023, as part of Penn State Health’s GROW Career Pathways, the health system and HACC successfully 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 they complete the program. The first of three pilot classes is now in session with 39 students enrolled. Additional classes will be offered in the near future. 

“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,” said Al Griswold, Ed.D., HACC’s vice president of academic affairs. “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.”

“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,” said Hillary Miller, vice president and chief learning officer for Penn State Health. “With GROW, we are empowering these individuals with choices.”

The partners plan to build program offerings over the next two years for current and future employees.

“We have to take care of our employees first,” said Miller. “People are no longer spending their lifetime in a single occupation. It’s critical we provide them and future employees the guidance and support they deserve to advance their careers for the jobs and skills we need tomorrow.”

For more information about the Penn State Health GROW Career Pathways and upcoming classes, please visit the website.

About HACC
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is the first and largest of Pennsylvania’s 15 community colleges. HACC offers approximately 100 career and transfer associate degree, certificate and diploma programs to approximately 14,023 students. Also, the College serves students at its Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York campuses; through virtual learning; and via workforce development and continuing education training. For more information on how HACC is uniquely YOURS, visit hacc.edu. Also, follow us on Twitter (@HACC_info), follow us on Instagram (@HACC_edu), like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/HACC64) and use #HACCNews.
 
About Penn State Health
Penn State Health is a multi-hospital health system serving patients and communities across 29 counties in central Pennsylvania. It employs more than 18,000 people systemwide.

The system includes Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and Penn State Cancer Institute based in Hershey, Pa.; Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center in Enola, Pa.; Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center in Camp Hill, Pa.; Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center in Lancaster, Pa.; Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center in Reading, Pa.; Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, an 89-bed psychiatric hospital in Harrisburg, Pa, and 2,450+ physicians and direct care providers at 225 outpatient practices. Additionally, the system jointly operates various health care providers, including Penn State Health Rehabilitation Hospital, Hershey Outpatient Surgery Center and Hershey Endoscopy Center.

In December 2017, Penn State Health partnered with Highmark Health to facilitate creation of a value-based, community care network in the region.

Penn State Health shares an integrated strategic plan and operations with Penn State College of Medicine, the University’s medical school.