New program offers ‘seamless transition’ between online high school, healthcare college

SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Some of the most desired jobs for students enrolled in Graduation Alliance’s high school diploma programs are those in the healthcare sector. But the significant post-secondary education required to get those jobs can look intimidating and economically prohibitive for many students, who are often facing significant social and financial hardships.

A new partnership between Graduation Alliance and The College of Health Care Professions is aimed at helping those students develop a direct path to their goals.

Under the partnership, Graduation Alliance students who meet enrollment requirements will be granted admission into CHCP; dual credit opportunities will help create a seamless transition to higher education. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

“Some of our students don’t immediately recognize the real value of their online educational success,” said Rebekah Richards, the co-founder and chief academic officer for Graduation Alliance. “Not everyone can succeed in online education. It takes a lot of self-motivation. By the time they graduate, our students have developed a set of transferable skills — and that means they’re a lot more likely to succeed in the College of Health Care Professions’ online programs. CHCP’s understanding and success with first generation college-goers means that our students will continue to receive the academic and personal development support they need to help make their dreams a reality.”

Those programs include online certificates, and associate- and bachelor-level programs in Healthcare Management, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing and Coding, and Medical Office Specialist, among others.

“For 30 years CHCP has focused on student success and preparing our graduates for professional allied healthcare careers,” said Eric Bing, the CEO of CHCP. “We are always looking for aspiring professionals and are proud of our work with students from underserved communities.”

Graduation Alliance high school graduates have shown the persistence to succeed in online programs. They will be solid candidates for CHCP’s online healthcare programs and for introduction to the college’s network of more than 1,500 healthcare employers.

“While pursuing their high school diplomas, our students can also earn certifications that can help them immediately get a job upon graduation, and one of the most popular is the caregiver certificate,” said Graduation Alliance CEO Ron Klausner. “Students who earn that certificate with us can then work as caregivers during the day, which not only gives them financial security but also very relevant experience as they pursue their CHCP degree at night.”

That’s the sort of “win win” Graduation Alliance is always looking for, Klausner said.

“Our students were often pushed out of high school by circumstances that were very much out of their control,” Klausner said. “When we get them back, one of the most important things we can do is to offer them pathways in which they will feel like they have some control over their lives. This partnership does that, and we’re really excited to see our students succeed through it.”

About Graduation Alliance
Since 2007, Graduation Alliance has given schools and communities across the nation the resources and support needed to help individuals reach their educational and career goals. In partnership with school districts, local governments, non-profits, workforce development boards and community colleges, Graduation Alliance develops highly effective alternative education and workforce training programs. For more information about Graduation Alliance, visit www.graduationalliance.com.

About The College for Health Care Professions
As a leader in healthcare education and training, CHCP helps students develop the skills they need to meet the demands of today’s healthcare industry. Founded by physicians, CHCP is focused on healthcare education and training and its accredited programs have been developing healthcare professionals for 30 years. CHCP faculty have real world, on-the-job experience, and are committed to helping students succeed. Just as importantly, CHCP’s on-campus, online and hybrid program offerings give students flexible options to learn on their schedule. For more information, visit www.chcp.edu.