Feb. 4, 2025
Anne Arundel Community College celebrated the graduation of 27 students from the first-ever University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (UM BWMC) partnership cohort of three separate professional clinical career pathway programs on Tuesday, Feb 4. These three programs aim to enhance healthcare career advancement for Anne Arundel County residents and help address the ongoing nursing shortage across Maryland.
In response to this urgent need, AACC partnered with UM BWMC and Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation (AAWDC) to create a series of professional pathway programs designed to eliminate financial barriers to healthcare education.
Key nursing roles for career advancement tracks were identified through the organizational partnership, such as certified nursing assistant (CNA) and licensed practical nurse (LPN) positions. CNAs assist with patient care tasks, including monitoring vital signs and helping with mobility, while LPNs provide additional support, including administering medications and changing wound dressings. Additionally, two key biology classes were incorporated into a separate career track to help team members meet prerequisites for nursing certifications.
To be eligible for the first cohorts of the programs, UM BWMC team members had to be employed at the hospital or one of its ambulatory practices either full- or part-time. Those accepted into the year-long program attended classes, simulations, and clinicals at the hospital and were paired with an AACC advisor. Participants in the LPN certification program also received personalized guidance from an AAWDC career coach to help them transition into their new roles.
Unlike traditional campus or online class offerings, AACC instructors taught courses at UM BWMC, creating a "school at work" atmosphere. Classes were held at convenient hours and in a hybrid format to support work-life balance. UM BWMC and AAWDC covered a significant portion of the costs associated with coursework.
To learn more about AACC’s licensed practical nurse (LPN), and our certified nursing assistant (CNA) programs, visit our programs and courses page.