BETHLEHEM, PA -Northampton Community College (NCC) is excited to offer a variety of programs this spring for anyone looking to start or advance their career in healthcare.

The first is NCC’s comprehensive Phlebotomy Technician course in the fundamentals and practice of phlebotomy (blood specimen collection) to prepare students for the national certification exam. This course will start February 15 at the NCC Fowler Family Southside Center in Bethlehem, and entry requirements are due prior to the start date. Lecture topics include venipuncture, capillary collection, safety, medical terminology, orientation to the clinical laboratory and health care setting, specimen handling and processing, and reviewing vital signs. Students will spend 120 hours practicing blood collection techniques under supervision. The student must then complete 100 successful venipunctures in a minimum of 80 hours at a clinical site. Upon completion of the course, students are eligible to sit for national certification examinations and may seek employment as phlebotomists.

Next are free virtual information sessions to learn more about becoming a Community Health Worker (CHW) on February 20 and March 7. As a CHW, you will help individuals overcome barriers to care by linking them to their local community resources. NCC’s accredited course is geared towards participants who want to work in community-based or inpatient settings, and topics include the role of the community health worker, ethics and professional skills, teamwork and communication, documentation and assessment procedures, chronic disease overview, accessibility to healthcare services, care coordination and system navigation. Join NCC for a free fact-finding information session to learn about the program, its career potential and how to get started.

Another great option is NCC’s Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training program starting March 6 whichprepares participants with the skills needed to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Competency Examination in as little as four weeks. The program includes classroom instruction, skills laboratory, and clinical experience in local nursing facilities. As a CNA, you can work in a long-term care facility, hospital or other healthcare setting – an excellent way to start your career in healthcare. Entry requirements are due by February 14, and mandatory orientation will be held on February 28.

Finally, NCC’s Virtual Pharmacy Technician Training and Exam Preparation program starting March 12 prepares students for the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification Exam. Those who pass the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) or Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) are granted the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). The ExCPT Exam is offered through the National Health Career Association (NHA) and is NCCA approved. Exam fee is not included in the tuition. This online program is excellent for those seeking an entry-level position in a retail pharmacy setting or those working in the field who would like to expand their employment opportunities.

To learn more and register for any program, please visit northampton.edu/healthcare. For questions, please email healthcare@northampton.edu or call 610-332-6585.

About Northampton Community College

With an enduring commitment to the regional community it serves and a focus on student success, Northampton Community College has developed a reputation as an institution of extraordinary distinction, earning accolades at the state and national levels for innovative programs, outstanding faculty and impressive student achievements. It counts among its successful alumni a four-time Pulitzer Prize winner and an Academy Award winning director as well as a host of CEOs, presidents, and leaders of business and industry. Today, Northampton Community College has locations in Bethlehem, Southside Bethlehem, and Monroe County, serving 30,000 students each year from 53 counties, 42 countries and 25 states. For more information, or to apply, please visit www.northampton.edu. Follow NCC on Twitter @NCCPresDaveRuth and on Instagram @NorthamptonCommCollege. Like NCC on Facebook at Northampton Community College.