Empowering Students: Explore “Care Forward Colorado” for Healthcare Professions
“Phlebotomists and pharmacy technicians will grow by 38% and 24%, and general healthcare support jobs are projected to jump by 16%”.
And this was the projection before the pandemic.
Education plays a pivotal role in shaping our lives, but various barriers can hinder the pursuit of higher education. Thankfully, the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) has taken a significant step toward breaking down some of these barriers with the introduction of the Care Forward Colorado program.
Even before the pandemic kicked into high gear, communities around the country were actively recruiting students into various healthcare professions. Coming out of the pandemic, demand is now even higher. If you are a student, or know of a student, who is interested in healthcare but isn’t sure about going straight into a four-year degree program due to cost or time, then the Care Forward Colorado program may be an ideal solution.
I live in Durango, CO and healthcare workforce shortages have been impactful. One of the local healthcare locations has closed due to staff shortages and this puts a strain on the local system. I’m sure we’re not alone. Rural healthcare systems have always had challenges but now it is being exacerbated.
So what can be done? Well certainly healthcare challenges in the U.S. run deep but there are some things being done to attract more people to understaffed professions.
Colorado has decided to do something to entice new workers to enter various healthcare professions. The program has been designed to help rebuild Colorado’s depleted healthcare workforce by providing zero-cost pathways to many entry-level professions. Students who enroll in one of the certificate programs will have tuition, fees, and course materials covered as the Care Forward Colorado program allows. Eligible certificate programs include:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Phlebotomy Technician
Pharmacy Technician
Medical Assistant
Dental Assistant
Nurse Refresher
Integrative Health Practitioner & Massage Therapy
Sterile Processing
Paramedic Certificate
Echocardiography Certificate
Medical Billing and Coding
Medical Office Certificate
All the education for the certificate programs is provided through Colorado’s system of community colleges. This means there are 18 community colleges, even maybe one in your own backyard, ready to provide low cost healthcare education and workforce development. This is a win-win for the students going into these programs and all of our communities seeking to recruit and retain frontline staff. Not all CCs offer all programs so visit the website to learn more and speak to the school directly to make sure you have all your questions answered about the program.
This is one example of a unique workforce development program taking place in Colorado. If you live in another state, check with your state’s workforce development offices and community college or technical college system to learn more about what programs may be offered. You may find a program that merges your particular interests and the ability to launch into a profession quickly and with little debt.
Next week I’ll return with a blog post highlighting a unique tuition assistance program offered by an employer that may be right down the block from where you live.
I empower college-curious and college-bound students and families with the knowledge, tools, and confidence for college success. Let me guide you through the complexities of college admissions and beyond, so you can create your boundless life.
Have a question or comment? Please leave it in the comment section below or contact me at mark@mastalskicoaching.com.
There’s no one way to do college.
Be Boundless.
