TCC & Norfolk Partner On Healthcare Training Initiative

By Rosaland Tyler
Associate Editor
New Journal and Guide

Four mobile healthcare labs are traveling through local neighborhoods and enabling Tidewater Community College students to acquire certified hands-on healthcare training close to home.

Students walk into the mobile labs and receive short-term training through the “CARENOW” project. TCC’s Workforce Solutions partnered with Norfolk Works, the workforce development arm of the Norfolk Department of Economic Development, to launch the new initiative. Students in the “CARENOW” project receive hands-on training in a fully equipped simulated clinical lab setting. The lab includes an exam room for phlebotomy and patient care training and accommodates up to 10 students at a time.

“We have transportation issues throughout Hampton Roads, particularly for the students at TCC,” said Art Hall, TCC’s vice president of Workforce Solutions. “So, this is an opportunity for TCC to take its training from its four campuses and additional locations directly into the community.”

The mobile lab is housed in a custom-built vehicle that travels throughout the community. Students also participate in workplace readiness training and acquire “soft skills” in a week-long boot camp and workshops led by career coaches. Classes in the program last from nine to 15 weeks.

The Certified Phlebotomy Technician program runs for nine weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. In Cohort 1, six of the 10 students successfully completed the program. Cohort 2 currently has seven students in progress, while Cohort 3 began Oct. 14. The clinical medical assistant program runs 15 weeks and will launch in the spring.

“At the end of the day, our goal is to provide industry-recognized credentials,” Hall said.

TCC President Dr. Marcia Conston said of the “CARENOW” project that began in January, “This journey is the next step toward opportunity, growth, and impact in this community and in this industry.”

Juanita Sivels, a Cohort 1 phlebotomy student, earned her certification while training in the mobile lab. Through this program, students can become a certified medical assistant or phlebotomy technician.

Norfolk City Councilwoman Mamie Johnson said, “We want to create hubs within the community so people will have access.”

Johnson said the collaboration between TCC and the City of Norfolk is beneficial since it provides access to job opportunities.

Norfolk Public Libraries is participating in the partnership. The Jordan-Newby Library was the site for the program’s recent ribbon-cutting ceremony in September. It also houses a Health Innovation Lab and provides other services.

The project began in January, with TCC working closely with Norfolk Works. A memorandum of understanding was signed earlier this year, formalizing the partnership. Norfolk Works assists with marketing, community participant recruitment, and strategic partnership alignment with business that can benefit from gaining skilled talent entering the workforce.