HCCC, NJ Reentry Corp. announce first-of-its-kind training program

Hudson County Community College (HCCC) and New Jersey Reentry Corp. (NJRC) announced the establishment of a groundbreaking Phlebotomy Technician Certification program for court-involved persons to pursue such careers.

The announcement was made by HCCC President Christopher Reber and NJRC executive director and chairman, former Gov. James McGreevy, at a Jan. 11 press conference in Jersey City that featured a slew of officials, leaders and community stakeholders.

The three-month training program – a first-of-its-kind in the Garden State – is being funded by NJ HealthWorks and administered by the New Jersey Community College Health Profession Consortium Partners.

The NJRC says it will require academic and substantial clinical training hours resulting in a professional phlebotomy career, which is one of the fastest-growing career sectors in the country. Individuals who complete the course will receive national certification through the National Healthcareer Association.

Classes will be conducted by HCCC faculty at the Governor’s Reentry Training and Employment Center in Kearny.

“We are honored to partner with HCCC in our shared advocacy mission and commitment to Second Chances,” said McGreevey. “We celebrate the importance of this Phlebotomy Training Course, which continues to highlight the need for ‘industry-recognized credentials’ through job training for the reentry population.”

McGreevey describes this program as a “landmark course.”

“This is the first New Jersey Phlebotomy Training Program solely focused on the court-involved population,” said McGreevey.

“We are proud to partner with Gov. McGreevey and NJRC in developing and providing this Phlebotomy Training Program,” said Reber. “This is a life-changing opportunity, exclusively for court-involved women and men, that offers a pathway to well-paying, in-demand careers. This program also addresses a critical national need for professionals in this sector of health care.”

Reber says as part of an effort to create a more inclusive economy, the school is committed to helping people impacted by incarceration access training and certification for today’s in-demand jobs.

“We’re proud to work with outstanding partners to ensure more people can qualify for great jobs and create new beginnings and brighter futures for themselves and their families,” Reber added.

The first class of the program, with about one dozen students, will take place Jan. 23.

“I look forward to gaining a Phlebotomy Certification to have consistent employment,” said Camile Hannah, an NJRC program participant. “The advantages of this program will help me to secure a career, provide for my son, and be the best mom I can be to him. I am focused, determined, and motivated to do all I can to have a better future for my family. This training program provides me the opportunity to accomplish that.”