Phlebotomists & Medical Assistants Are In-Demand

“Phlebotomists and medical assistants are much-needed members of the health care team, providing a wide range of crucial services to patients,” said Lou Baverso, chief operating officer, UPMC in Central Pa. “It is a need in our communities, and we hope this will help fill it. We’re very happy to partner with Central Penn College to support these programs and provide a high-quality education at potentially no final cost to the student.”

As part of this initiative, Central Penn College will offer a new 12-month, 30-credit, Medical Assisting Diploma Program that requires students to attend full-time, in-person classes on the college’s Summerdale campus. The Phlebotomy Technician Certificate is an existing 9-month, part-time program that includes a mix of online and in-person classes.

Opportunity to Receive Full Tuition

Through an innovative combination of funding from UPMC, Central Penn College, and UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, program graduates who work at UPMC will receive payments in addition to their salaries equivalent to the cost of the programs. Students must complete at least two years of the work requirement at UPMC facilities in the Central Pa. region.

As an added benefit, students also can work in a variety of full- and part-time positions that can accommodate their studies. “We will help interested students find the right position for them to work in a health care setting,” added Baverso.

Central Penn College is making the CPC Housing Scholarship––valued at $5,800 a year–– available to all qualifying medical assisting enrollees who attend full-time. Students in the part-time Phlebotomy Technician program are eligible to receive a partial housing scholarship.

“This initiative is an excellent opportunity for students looking to work in the growing health care field,” said Dr. Krista Wolfe, vice president of Academic Affairs and provost at the college. “Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or someone ready to make a career change, you could be employed as a medical assistant or phlebotomy technician within 12 months or less. And your tuition could be fully reimbursed, thanks to this innovative partnership.”

How Do I Get the MA Diploma Program Paid?

Central Penn College will work with students on financial aid packages or payment plan options at the time of their enrollment. Those students hired by UPMC (contingent upon their performance during the course work and externship, and successfully passing their certification exam), will receive a payment each month of employment toward their program costs. By the third year of employment at UPMC, the tuition costs will be completely reimbursed.*

How Do I Get the Phlebotomy Technician Certificate Program Paid?

Central Penn College will work with students on financial aid packages or payment plan options at the time of their enrollment. Those students hired by UPMC (contingent upon their performance during the course work and externship, and successfully passing their certification exam), will receive a payment each month of employment toward their program costs. By the second year of employment at UPMC, the tuition costs will be completely reimbursed.*

Medical Assisting Admissions Requirements

Applicants for the Medical Assisting program must have a minimum GPA of a 2.0 from the official transcripts from the last school attended to be considered for acceptance. In addition, applicants must have successfully completed two sciences (C or higher) and one math course (C or higher) in high school or college. GED scores will be accepted.

Applicants are required to submit two reference forms. Reference forms can be attained through the admissions office. If the student does not meet these criteria they are able to file an appeal for acceptance to the Program Director.

Prospective students must complete an essay and be interviewed by an admissions counselor.

Phlebotomy Technician Admissions Requirements

Applicants for the Phlebotomy Technician certificate must have a minimum GPA of a 2.20 from the last school attended or have a passing GED score to be considered for acceptance. Applicants must have successfully completed two sciences (C or higher) and one math course (C or higher) in high school or college.  In addition, applicants are required to submit two reference forms. Reference forms can be attained through the admissions office.  If the student does not meet these criteria, they are able to file an appeal for acceptance to the Program Director.

Prospective students must complete an essay and be interviewed by an admissions counselor.

*For Veteran Students Only – Central Penn College will review a student’s prior credits, but does not guarantee that any will be acceptable for transfer into the Phlebotomy Technician certificate program.

Apply Now!

Surgical Technologists Are In-Demand

Surgical technologists perform a variety of activities that assist doctors during surgery, including sterilizing and setting up equipment, positioning patients for procedures, handing instruments to doctors during surgery, and preparing operating rooms for patients.

The Surgical TechnologyProgram will provide you with training in essential healthcare skills, surgical instrumentation, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, patient care, surgical pharmacology and microbiology. You will complete observation experiences as well as a 120-case internship at the conclusion of the program.

Opportunity to Receive Full Tuition

Through an innovative combination of funding from UPMC, Central Penn College, and UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, students who work at UPMC for three years following graduation will have the full tuition cost of the program reimbursed. Students must complete at least two years of the work requirement at UPMC’s facilities in the Central Pa. region.

Students also have the opportunity to work with UPMC during their education. A variety of full- and part-time positions are available that can accommodate their studies.

Central Penn College also is making the CPC Housing Scholarship available to all qualifying Surgical Technology AAS Program enrollees who choose to live on campus, valued at $5,800 a year.

How Do I Get the Program Paid?

Central Penn College will work with students on financial aid packages or payment plan options at the time of their enrollment. Those students hired by UPMC (contingent upon their performance during the course work and externship, and successfully passing their certification exam), will receive a payment each month of employment toward their program costs. By the third year of employment at UPMC, the tuition costs will be completely reimbursed.*

Surg Tech Admissions Requirements

• Be a high school graduate with GPA of at least a 2.5, or GED recipient with a score of 500 (score of 50 prior to 2002).
• Successfully completed two sciences (C or higher) and one algebra course (C or higher) in high school or college. If students don’t meet these criteria, they are able to file an appeal for acceptance to the Dean of Health Sciences.
• Prospective students must complete an essay and be interviewed by an admissions counselor.

After acceptance

• Complete a background check.
• Provide documentation of current required immunizations and current Healthcare Provider CPR certification.
• Possess American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider certification––valid prior to the start of Internship (SUR290) with current certification maintained through the completion of clinical rotations.

Apply Now!

In just 9 months you can be part of an exciting, fast-growing field in health care. And you can have your tuition completely reimbursed!