UPMC and Central Penn College In-Demand Health Care Career Programs Enrolling Now for Fall

September 27, 2023

HARRISBURG, Pa. — UPMC in Central Pa. and Central Penn College are once again working together to develop the next generation of health care professionals. Through their innovative partnership and the UPMC Scholars Program, students who successfully complete the Central Penn College phlebotomy and surgical technology programs and are hired by UPMC will receive payments equivalent to the full cost of the programs in addition to their salary. 

“The health care industry is experiencing a shortage of individuals in these important fields,” said Elizabeth Ritter, chief operating officer, UPMC Harrisburg, UPMC Community Osteopathic, and UPMC West Shore. “We are pleased to partner with Central Penn College to make their quality programs even more affordable for area residents, and to help us fill these important needs. These are great opportunities for local residents who are seeking a rewarding career where they can continue to grow.”

Phlebotomists and phlebotomy technicians play a vital role in the administration and management of blood draws for diagnosis, transfusion and research purposes. Surgical technicians perform a variety of activities that assist doctors during surgery, including sterilizing and setting up equipment, positioning patients for procedures, handing instruments to doctors during surgery, and preparing operating rooms for patients.

“The program at Central Penn was amazing,” said Chris Adams, who studied both medical assisting and phlebotomy at Central Penn College. “The small class sizes produced an environment that allowed me and the other students to learn and retain the concepts in a low-stress environment.”

“Instructors were able to explain the science behind the things we were studying, while adding their own personal experiences to back them up,” he added. Chris joined UPMC Pinnacle Family Care of Newport after graduation, before returning to Central Penn College as an instructor in 2021. “Federal labor statistics show the demand for employees trained in phlebotomy is expected to grow by 8% between 2022 and 2032 — faster than the average for all occupations,” he said.

Opportunity to Receive Payments Equivalent to the Cost of the Programs

Through an innovative combination of funding from UPMC and Central Penn College, phlebotomy and surgical technology graduates who work at UPMC will receive payments in addition to their salaries equivalent to the cost of the programs. Students must complete at least a two-years work requirement at UPMC facilities in the Central Pa. region.

As an added benefit, UPMC in Central Pa. will help interested students find full- and part-time positions that can accommodate their studies. This is a great way to make some money while in school and gain valuable health care experience.

Enrollment is underway for the fall semester with a Friday, Oct. 6 deadline:

• Phlebotomy:  Starts Monday, Oct. 9, 2023 and ends in June 2024 — accepting applications.
• Surgical Technology: Starts Monday, Oct. 9, 2023 and ends in March 2025 — enrollment is currently full and has a waitlist.

Interested students can find out more about the phlebotomy and surgical technology programs, including enrollment information, at www.centralpenn.edu/UPMC.