Organizational example:

Organization/Program

Campus on a Campus
Genesis Health Care System
Agawam, MA

Program Purpose

To launch a viable health care career ladder for entry-level healthcare workers.

Program Description

Genesis Health Care Systems, one of the largest extended care providers in Massachusetts, and WorkSource, Inc., a local employment intermediary, have partnered with local community colleges (Holyoke Community College, Springfield Technical Community College, and the University of Massachusetts) to operate a career advancement program designed to help entry-level workers in CNA, housekeeping, and dietary positions move on to LPN and RN jobs.

The partnership provides intensive career counseling and case management to incumbent employees, along with a number of education and training opportunities, including:

• GED, ESOL, and basic literacy programs
• Skills training that helps workers take the next career step, such as CNA training for service employees or geriatric nursing assistant specialist training for CNAs
• Pre-college courses, including developmental education, for workers who wish to advance in health care careers but need preparation to qualify for college- level courses
• College-level pre-nursing courses that are prerequisites for entry into LPN or RN programs

The Massachusetts Long Term Care Foundation offers scholarships and in order to encourage employee participation, Genesis offers tuition assistance packages.

Progress

According to WorkSource Partner’s website, the Campus on Campus program has developed career action plans for over 240 employees and 60 individuals have enrolled in college courses. In addition approximately 40 CNAs have begun taking prerequisite nursing courses and as of 2006, Genesis has assisted 24 CNAs to become licensed practical nurses.

Contact Information

Genesis Health Care’s Learning Resource Center
Cindy Freebairn, Career Development Advisor
Heritage Hall East
464 Main Street
Agawam, MA 01001
T: 413.786.8000, x 266

WorkSource Partners
One Harvard Street, Suite 200
Brookline, MA 02445
T: 617.232.0330
www.worksourcepartners.com