Penn State Health is Building the Next Generation of Health Care Professionals through GROW Career Pathways
To continuously improve the health and well-being of Pennsylvanians, Penn State Health strives to create a culture of continuous learning and development within the communities we serve and our internal Penn State Health employees.
As part of that culture, we are focused on the expansion of learning and career growth opportunities through partnerships with local colleges. GROW Career Pathways will offer a variety of opportunities for aspiring and current health care professionals to begin or continue a career serving their community.
NEW! GROW Career Pathways Offers 100% Tuition Coverage Upfront Through Partnership with HACC
GROW Career Pathways is starting by launching a dedicated partnership with HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College to offer tuition assistance for aspiring medical assistants or phlebotomists. Students will get hands-on clinical experience to prepare for a rewarding career in clinical health care.
All HACC tuition and program materials are covered by Penn State Health in exchange for one year of employment. Students who are accepted into the program participate with no cost upfront. After earning their certification, they will have a position waiting for them at a Penn State Health hospital or practice.
Medical assistant and phlebotomist careers
Medical assistants are an integral part of any hospital or clinic. They work directly with patients, assisting physicians and nurses with examinations, laboratory testing, medications and more. With the help of medical assistants, Penn State Health is able to ensure the best care for our patients at our hospitals and outpatient practices.
Phlebotomists are the core of the laboratories at our inpatient and outpatient locations. They have the important job of collecting blood from patients, so it can be tested to diagnose diseases or illnesses and determine treatment options. They also help patients feel more comfortable about having blood drawn by drawing it as quickly and painlessly as possible. After the blood sample is collected, the phlebotomist must label each sample correctly.
Application reviews are rolling, which means applications are reviewed as soon as they are received. You will be notified of acceptance after an interview process. Certification programs begin in mid-July.
*All dates are based on estimated start dates and subject to change
Medical Assistant (Full-Time)
Medical assistant (MA) and certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) training can be completed in as little as five months. This full-time program includes a mix of virtual and in-person classes, hands-on skills training and clinical experience prior to certification.
Program dates: July 10, 2023 - Nov. 22, 2023
Class times: Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Additional dates:
- Didactic training (Zoom and in-person): July 10-Sept. 14
- Hands-on training (Skills Lab): Sept. 18-Oct. 25
- Clinicals: Oct. 30-Nov. 17
- Certification preparation: Nov. 21
- Certification exam: Nov. 22
- Makeup days: Aug. 17, Sept. 14, Oct. 20 and Nov. 20
- No class: Sept. 4 (Labor Day)
Medical Assistant (Part-Time)
The medical assistant (MA) and certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) training is offered as a part-time program for those who might have other commitments during the day. During the 11-month program, students will participate in both virtual and in-person classes, hands-on skills training and clinical experience prior to certification.
Program dates: July 17, 2023 - June 27, 2024
Class times: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 6-9 p.m. or 5:30-9:30 p.m. (varies)
Additional dates:
- Didactic training (Zoom and in-person): July 17, 2023 - Jan. 22, 2024
- Hands-on training (Skills Lab): Jan. 29, 2024 - April 18, 2024
- Clinicals: April 29, 2024 - June 21, 2024
- Certification preparation: June 24-25, 2024
- Certification exam: June 27, 2024, 10 a.m.
- Makeup days: Jan. 23 and 24, April 22 and 23
- No class: Sept. 4, 2023 (Labor Day), Nov. 23-24, 2023 (Thanksgiving), Dec. 22, 2023 - Jan. 1, 2024 (winter holidays), Jan. 15, 2024 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
Phlebotomy Technician (Part-Time)
The phlebotomist program is only offered as a part-time program. The five-month training is completely in-person, including hands-on skills training, clinical experience and certification.
Program dates: July 17, 2023 - Nov. 14, 2023
Class times: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 6-9 p.m.
Additional dates:
- Hands-on training (Skills Lab): July 17 - Sept. 26
- Clinicals: Oct. 2 - Nov. 10
- Certification preparation: Nov. 13
- Certification exam: Nov. 14, 10 a.m.
- Makeup day: Sept. 28
- No class: Sept. 4 (Labor Day)
For more information
Anyone interested in exploring a clinical career as a medical assistant or a phlebotomist is encouraged to apply. If you have any additional questions that aren’t answered below, email [email protected].
Am I eligible for the HACC medical assistant or phlebotomist career programs?
Medical assistant or phlebotomy training programs are open to any professional who meets the commitment criteria, including current Penn State Health employees in administrative or other roles and current and prospective HACC students
Are there any fees associated with participation?
Medical assistant and phlebotomist training programs provided through GROW Career Pathways include 100% paid tuition upfront as a loan, at no cost to the student. Tuition coverage is contingent on successful completion of the program and one year of employment at .6FTE or greater with Penn State Health.
Will taxes be assessed on the amount of the loan?
Yes. Upon completion of your certificate and when you become a Penn State Health employee, a proportion of your loan will be forgiven each pay period. That loan forgiveness is considered income to you, will be included on your paystub and will be taxed until the 1-year employment commitment has expired. These taxes will be spread across 26 pay periods and average $62 per pay period for medical assistants and $20 per pay period for phlebotomists.
What do the training programs include?
GROW Career Pathways, starting with HACC, covers all program tuition and fees. For example, this includes fees for either part-time or full-time medical assistant training or part-time phlebotomist training. After successfully completing the program, students will earn a certification in their chosen role and a guaranteed job at Penn State Health. Tuition is paid upfront by Penn State Health at no cost to the student.
What is the program commitment?
Students must complete part-time or full-time coursework, depending on the program. Students who successfully complete the program and earn certification must commit to a minimum of one-year employment at Penn State Health as a .6FTE or greater, prior to completion of the program, to receive the full 100% benefit of tuition coverage.
Is employment guaranteed?
After successfully completing the training program, students are guaranteed employment with Penn State Health as a medical assistant or phlebotomist. Students are expected to complete at least one year of employment.
When will I find out if I am accepted into the program?
Prospective students will be notified of interview dates within a week of the due date close for application.
What is the rigor of the classes?
Classes will require time outside of class and work to complete. These are difficult classes that are fast paced. There are supports through the educational partner to assist you.
What are expectations while I am working at Penn State Health and taking classes?
You should communicate with your manager your schedule and any planned time off for clinicals. You should be meeting all of your work needs/duties and putting the patient and team first prior to doing any classwork during downtime. You may utilize breaks to do school work. This should be discussed with your manager.
What are the technology requirements?
You must have a working computer that is accessible to you during class times as well as reliable Wi-Fi. Some classes may require you to have a web camera (either on your computer or bought separately).
How do I plan for clinicals?
Penn State Health will help to coordinate your clinicals. You will need to plan your PTO to use during this time if you need to take time off of work, or you will be taking unpaid leave. If you take unpaid leave, any benefits cost will be required to pay in future paychecks.