In an effort to meet workforce needs and provide residents with gainful employment, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program at Rowan College of South Jersey offers job training opportunities for students and connects them with employers.
“These practical, career-training options are designed to get students ready for the workforce quickly – no degree is needed for these roles,” said Brigette Satchell, dean of the CTE program, during a CareerXperience event on Feb. 11 at Rowan’s Inspira Nursing and Health Professions Center on the Deptford campus.
“Students interested in these programs need no previous experience, but are required to have a high-school diploma or GED,” she added. “At Rowan’s CTE (program), we equip students for high-wage, in-demand careers through specialized training programs. Students will develop technical, academic and employability skills in as little as three to 12 months.”
Satchell told prospective students – including Avenetia Hayes – about short-term training programs for Central Service Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant and Patient Care Technician positions in the health- care industry.
“I am interested in becoming a Central Service Technician and I came here for information,” noted Hayes, who met with instructor Diana Torres. “I am considering taking the class in mid-March.”
Together they perused the Sterile Processing Technical Manual, which explains how surgical instruments and all the equipment at a hospital or doctor’s office should be properly sterilized.
“The students spend 12 weeks in class and then work 400 hours at a clinic or hospital out in the field,” said Torres, adding that many of them are offered jobs after doing well as an intern and others are able to put the work experience on their resumes.
The college partners with Inspira, Virtua and Cooper health systems, where many students work to fulfill the 400 hours required, Torres added.
“In addition to training, we work closely with Cooper University hospitals to assist these students with job placements upon graduation, helping them transition from education to employment,” Satchell pointed out. “By forging relationships with local businesses and health-care organizations, we ensure that our students gain real-world experience and have access to career opportunities that align with their skills and education.
“The students are able to establish a career in nine months and come out ready to work.”
The Certified Nursing Assistant program teaches students to work in a nursing home, while those hoping to become a Patient Care Technician learn how to draw blood, do EKGs and other tasks and finish the program with CPR, EKG and phlebotomy certification.
“We are excited to open the doors to our campus and offer students and community members a chance to experience the hands-on opportunities that our CTE programs provide,” observed Rowan President Dr. Frederick Keating. “CTE Month is an ideal time to highlight how these programs are preparing individuals for meaningful careers with solid growth potential in a variety of fields.”
As for careers in health care, Satchell said some students go even further and become registered nurses.
If a student who passes through the CTE Certified Nursing Assistant Program is interested in furthering their academic career, they must first meet the requirements and be accepted for the Selective Admissions Nursing Program at Rowan South Jersey, then apply to participate in the college’s 3 plus 1 program, in partnership with Rowan University in Glassboro.
“This pathway allows students to complete three years of coursework at RCSJ and the final year at Rowan University, culminating in a bachelor of science in nursing,” Satchell said, pointing out that students begin by completing the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Nursing at RCSJ, which includes general education and nursing courses.
“After earning the A.A.S. degree, students transition to Rowan University for their senior year,” she added. “During this year, they engage in advanced nursing courses, including 300-level classes taught by Rowan University faculty. This structure ensures a seamless progression from community college to university education.
“In addition to CTE’s Allied Health programming, we are excited to highlight our new Dental Programs offered at RCSJ Cumberland’s Campus, providing specialized training for students interested in pursuing careers in the dental field,” Satchell continued, emphasizing that the programs offer hands-on experience and comprehensive education.
For information about class registration and what financial aid is available, go to www.rcsj.edu/cte.
