Students from Egg Harbor Township (EHT) High School’s Patient Care Technician (PCT) program have commenced their clinical experiences at Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional in Cape May Court House, NJ. This collaboration is part of the Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) program, designed to provide students with hands-on experience in the healthcare field.
Egg Harbor Township High School was awarded the Pre-apprenticeship in Career and Technical Education (PACE) grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor to support this initiative. The PACE grant aims to develop and expand career pathways that prepare students for high-demand occupations through structured, work-based learning experiences that lead to registered apprenticeship placements.
Prior to starting their clinical experiences, all participating students successfully completed Rowan College of South Jersey’s Patient Care Technician program, CPR and Stop the Bleed training. The participating students also had the opportunity to earn their National Health career Association certifications in Phlebotomy, EKG, and Patient Care. Students are preparing to sit for the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) exam in June. This national certification qualifies them to work in a healthcare setting and reflects their readiness to deliver safe, competent, and compassionate patient care.
The PACE program offers students the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, working alongside healthcare professionals in various departments at Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional. Through this initiative, students gain valuable insights into patient care, hospital operations, and the healthcare industry at large. Students engaged in direct care environments in the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Patient Care Unit and on our Medical/Surgical Units. “The students arrive everyday eager to learn and explore the many roles and professions supporting patient care within the acute care hospital setting. It is amazing to witness each student’s curiosity and engagement at the bedside with our patients and team members,” shared by Jackie Noll MSN RN, the Director of Nursing for the Emergency Department. Noll adds, “The future of healthcare will greatly benefit from the PACE grant opportunities and these talented students.” Jaime Crovo, Senior Human Resources Business Partner, was instrumental in creating the Egg Harbor Township High School-Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional partnership by working with Dr. Graham to learn about Egg Harbor Township school’s pre-apprenticeship programs and working with her leadership team to turn an idea into a reality.
Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional, known for its commitment to education and community engagement, provides an ideal environment for aspiring healthcare professionals to learn and grow. The hospital’s support of the PACE program underscores its dedication to fostering the next generation of healthcare workers.
