Local high school offers new healthcare program, students receive college credit

DELAWARE – A new partnership between Delaware Technical Community College and Milford High School looks to grow the healthcare workforce in the first state.

Now, those high school students can receive college credit in the Patient Care Assistant Program.

We’re told the biggest thing the free, two-year PCA program will provide students is options.

It will be part of MHS’ School of Health programming, as  students will be trained in multiple areas and receive certifications in things like phlebotomy and actually being a Certified Nursing Assistant in the state of Delaware. “Not every student wants to go right to college. So if they want to go into the field of work, we know that employers in Delaware companies have a need for workers,” Associate VP for Workforce Development & Community Education Dr. Paul Morris said.

“It makes sure that while they’re in high school, they’re not only learning the skills but the theory behind the skills and have these credentials in their pocket. So when they graduate, they’re competitive in the job market.”

The other push is to grow talent and keep that talent in Delaware. Del Tech says around 97% of their students come from in-state.

With partnerships with health care systems across the state, they’re hoping this move creates a continuing pipeline of health care professionals. “So we have those relationships already and we can leverage that and plug students right into the opportunities once they graduate,” Dr. Morris said.

“That’s really the ultimate goal which is not only supporting the students in opportunity but also supporting the workforce and the employers with a training pipeline coming in the workforce every year.”

If students chose Del Tech to further their education, they’ll graduate with up to 12 credits towards their degree at the college.

The program also allows students to receive clinical experience.

It’s already active in other parts of the state, including Caesar Rodney and Woodbridge school districts.

This fall, Del Tech tells us they expect to enroll upwards 150 patient care students.