Hocking College and Fairfield Workforce Center Launch Pre-Apprenticeship Phlebotomy/ECG Program for Local High School Seniors

Photo caption: Hocking College students in the pre-apprenticeship Phlebotomy and ECG program participate in hands-on healthcare training in Nelsonville, Ohio, gaining real-world experience outside a traditional classroom.

A partnership between Hocking College and the Fairfield Workforce Center has created a new pathway for Fairfield County high school seniors to enter the healthcare field. The recently launched pre-apprenticeship phlebotomy/electrocardiogram (ECG) certification program offers high school seniors the opportunity to explore in-demand health care careers and gain hands-on experience, with industry-recognized credentials.

Students participating in the program receive foundational knowledge in both phlebotomy and ECG procedures, preparing them for potential post-secondary education or job opportunities within the healthcare industry. Hocking College’s Phlebotomy Program Manager Jonathon Marcum serves as the instructor for the first cohort and provides both classroom instruction and on-site skills development.

"This program allows students to see firsthand what a career in health care would look like, even prior to graduation," Marcum stated. "This first cohort is an excellent group of students who are gaining hands-on training, confidence and a better idea of the many different paths available to them in the healthcare industry."

The pre-apprenticeship model was developed to help build a strong local health care pipeline by connecting students with education and workforce partners early in their careers.

"The launch of this program is another example of how we can build clear and accessible pathways to healthcare careers," said Rachel Clift, Dean of Allied Health and Nursing at Hocking College. "We are working to support our students in finding meaningful career paths, while also providing a strong workforce for our region through our partnership with the Fairfield Workforce Center."

Hocking College continues to develop more workforce-focused partnerships and training opportunities, which will align with the regional employment needs and student interest areas.

For more information about Fairfield Workforce Programs, visit https://www.fairfieldcountyohioworkforcecenter.gov/.