Owensboro Health and Owensboro Community and Technical College are partnering to launch a new Certified Medical Technician (CMT) program this fall, funded by a $325,000 grant from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. This grant will allow 45 new CMTs to be trained before June 30, 2023.
The CMT program is a work-and-learn model offering three groups of 15 students each the opportunity to work at Owensboro Health while earning four OCTC healthcare career credentials. These credentials include the State Registered Nursing Assistant (SRNA), Phlebotomy Technician, Certified Medical Technician (CMT), and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificates.
Owensboro Health will select the student participants for the three cohorts and hire them as Patient Care Technicians prior to the start of classes. In addition, Owensboro Health will pay their employee students educational release time to attend classes during the approximately three-month CMT program. Students who successfully complete the CMT program may pursue advanced career opportunities at Owensboro Health as applicable.
“Owensboro Health is proud to collaborate with OCTC on this innovative approach to developing the next generation of healthcare workers and providing them with new pathways to career success and fulfillment,” said Mark Marsh, President and CEO of Owensboro Health. “This outstanding program is another example of how our communities are meeting the region’s most vital challenges through teamwork and creativity.”
The first CMT cohort is scheduled to begin October 24, while the others begin January 2023 and April 2023.
Scholarships are available to cover tuition and fees for program participants, as well as additional scholarship resources to assist with basic needs such as childcare, transportation, books, supplies, tutoring, etc. A designated Success Coach, LaTasha Shemwell will provide personalized student services assisting with enrollment, course registration, and any other student needs. In addition, participants will earn incentive rewards after reaching designated progress milestones in the program.
“OCTC is grateful to CPE for this opportunity, and we are excited to partner with Owensboro Health to help meet their current and future direct patient care hiring needs,” said OCTC President Dr. Scott Williams. “We are proud to be a part of this novel, public-private collaborative approach to help address the healthcare workforce shortage.”
For more information on the new CMT project, contact LaTasha Shemwell at [email protected] or 270-686-4455.
