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ExploreHealthCareers.org/jobcorps
Job Corps lets you earn while you learn
Free career training program prepares low-income students for high-demand health careers
Worried about the high cost of college? U.S. Job Corps could pay you while you train for a rewarding health career.
Administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, Job Corps provides residential career training at no cost for eligible students aged 16-24 years. More than 65,000 students enroll in the program each year – and over 90 percent find jobs or continue their education after they graduate.
Job Corps offers career training in more than 100 different fields, from auto repair to welding. The Health Occupations Program provides education in human anatomy, medical terminology, workplace safety, and infection control. In addition, students learn practical medical skills, such as how to measure blood pressure and respiration, the right way to transfer a patient, and how to care for someone after a fall.
There are 128 Job Corps centers around the country, and most of them offer training for Health Occupations or specific health careers. Many Job Corps centers are linked with local community colleges, where students can take courses for college credit. In fact, after completing Job Corps, many students go on to complete an Associates’ or Bachelor’s degree.
Live and learn
Job Corps students live in dormitories on the center’s campus. “Living on campus” enables students to focus on their education, while building lasting relationships with other career-minded young people. To forge these vital connections, Job Corps students may participate in local community service projects or go on “field trips” to nearby attractions.
Residents receive meals, health and dental care, and a basic living allowance that increases the longer you stay in the program. Students who are single parents can also get free childcare.
Learn at your own pace
Training through Job Corps is self-paced, which means you control how quickly you complete the program. While you can finish sooner, most students spend at least one year on campus, practicing the professional and social skills they will need to succeed in their chosen health career.
Every Job Corps student works with a counselor to design a Personal Career Development Plan (PCDP). Every plan is different, because each PCDP is tailored to the student’s unique learning needs, academic goals and career plan.
This plan address the individual needs of a student including academics, career skills, social skills, employability skills, driver's education, and independent living skills. Students also participate in work-based learning, allowing them to apply their training outside of the classroom.
For students who need additional educational support, Job Corps offers courses in reading and math, English proficiency and GED preparation. You can even learn to drive and take classes in independent living and workplace skills.
Master key life skills
Job Corps students learn more than just practical skills. The entire experience is designed to help prepare young people for success in life.
In addition to mastering competencies that will help you qualify for an interesting job that pays well, you’ll learn essential social and professional skills that will help you thrive in the workplace and manage multiple life challenges.
Put your training to work
Even before your training is complete, a Job Corps career counselor will help you begin looking for your first health care job.
After you leave the program, a “transition specialist” will continue to assist you for six months to help you manage the challenges of starting a new job and balancing the demands of work and life.
“Transition specialists help students practice interview skills, finalize resumes and find jobs that match their training,” says the Job Corps website.
A life learning experience
Job Corps is designed to be more than just a vocational training program. It’s a “life learning experience” that helps you envision your future, prepare for your career and achieve your dreams.
“Learning directly determines earnings,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao at a Job Corps center in Maryland. “By increasing motivation and stressing the need to stay in school, our Job Corps students will take the first step toward a life of employment choices.”
Learn more about Job Corps by calling (800) 733-JOBS or go to Where Is Job Corps? to locate a center near you.
Learn more:
Cardiovascular Technologist/Technician
Dental Assistant
Home Care Assistant/Aide
Medical Assistant
Nurses Aide/Nursing Assistant
Occupational Therapy Aide
Vocational/Licensed Practical Nurse