Tidewater Community College (TCC) and the City of Norfolk on Sept. 22 hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Mobile Healthcare Lab at the Jordan-Newby Anchor Branch Library at Broad Creek.

TCC’s Workforce Solutions partnered with Norfolk Works, the workforce development arm of the Norfolk Department of Economic Development, to launch the new initiative. The “CARENOW” project is designed to deliver healthcare education directly into neighborhoods, supporting both talent development and inclusive growth.

The mobile lab is housed in a custom-built unit that travels throughout the community, providing students with access to hands-on learning. Fully equipped to simulate a clinical environment, the lab includes an exam room for phlebotomy and patient care training and accommodates up to 10 students at a time.

Students also participate in workplace readiness training and “soft skills” development through a week-long boot camp and workshops led by career coaches. Depending on their program choice, training lasts between nine and fifteen weeks.

The certified phlebotomy technician (CPT) program runs for nine weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In Cohort 1, six of the 10 students successfully completed the program. Cohort 2 currently has seven students in progress, while Cohort 3 will begin October 14. The clinical medical assistant (CMA) program runs 15 weeks and will launch in the spring.

“We have transportation issues throughout Hampton Roads, particularly for the students at TCC. So, this is an opportunity for TCC to take its training from its four campuses and additional locations directly into the community,” said Art Hall, vice president of Workforce Solutions at TCC.

TCC Workforce Solutions is focused on providing short-term training opportunities that address employment gaps in high-demand industries. “At the end of the day, our goal is to provide industry-recognized credentials,” Hall added.

One example of success is Juanita Sivels, a Cohort 1 phlebotomy student, who earned her certification while training in the mobile lab. Through this program, students can pursue credentials such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Medical Assistant or Phlebotomy Technician.

Currently, TCC operates four mobile labs dedicated to workforce development, with the goal of embedding them in communities where they are most needed.

Norfolk Councilwoman Mamie Johnson highlighted the significance of the project: “We want to create hubs within the community so people will have access,” she said.

Johnson said that the collaboration between the college and the City of Norfolk is beneficial for citizens, as it will provide access to job opportunities.

Norfolk Public Libraries also plays a key role, hosting the lab, providing visibility, marketing to patrons, and offering meeting space. The Jordan-Newby Library also houses a Health Innovation Lab, strengthening the connection between education and community health resources.

The project began in January, with TCC working closely with Norfolk Works. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed earlier this year, formalizing the partnership. Norfolk Works assists with marketing, community participant recruitment, and strategic partnership alignment with business that can benefit from gaining skilled talent entering the workforce.

“This journey is the next step toward opportunity, growth and impact in this community and in this industry,” TCC President Marcia Conston said.

This article was originally posted here.