Innovations in Creating Access To Careers in Healthcare (I-CATCH)
I-CATCH (Innovations in Creating Access To Careers in Healthcare) is healthcare training support for individuals aiming to achieve income independence through well-paying and high-demand careers in the healthcare industry. Utilizing a partnership with three community colleges (Edmonds Community College, Everett Community College, and Skagit Valley College) and an active and vibrant partnership with social services, community, and healthcare leading business organizations, I-CATCH has built a stackable credential model to engage low income individuals in a health career pathway in high-demand jobs in the industry.
I-CATCH utilizes an online/hybrid and competency-based instruction throughout stackable certificates in a range of healthcare career ladder options in allied health/nursing, social and human services, and medical information technology. It works to improve student achievement through intensive virtual and on-ground support services and builds student work readiness and technical skills, and supports employment success through strong engagement with employers and work-based learning opportunities. I-CATCH strengthens and expands the education and training options to high-demand jobs in healthcare while providing seamless pathways from pre-college level to associate and baccalaureate degree programs. Finally, it leverages partnerships with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) agencies, community based organizations and employers to expand training and support capacity in both urban and rural areas.
Services include, but not limited to:
- Tuition assistance
- Fees and supplies assistance
- Financial Aid assistance
- Wrap around support services
- Academic advising
- Social and crisis supports
- Transportation assistance
- Digital Literacy resources
- MiFi Internet access
- Loaned laptop you can earn
- Job development and coaching
- Employer-trusted career training
Occupational training targets the following positions that currently are identified as opportunities for career growth and employer needs: Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Technician, Medical Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, Phlebotomist, Clinical Laboratory Assistant, Pharmacy Technicians, Social and Human Service Assistants, Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors, Medical Secretaries, and Medical Records and Health information Technicians.
I-CATCH promotes, supports and sustains long-term intrusive and holistic advising and support relationships. Using in-person and on-line technology enables staff to engage in advising and community crisis support relationships that: 1) approaches participant support as a teaching function; 2) touch participants on a regular basis; and 3) connects them to the information and services they need when they need to keep the participant and their families on track to career success. Program participants will have access to a community of support services via referrals for childcare, transportation, mental health services, veterans’ assistance, health services, housing, legal services, domestic violence services, tax preparation, SNAP, academic supports, tutoring and employment services, among others.
Recognizing the tremendous advantage that having computer and broadband access in the home to allow great flexibility to balance education with employment and family, the program loans each participant a strong laptop computer and one year of wireless high speed broadband access in the home. Participants have the opportunity to earn the computer if they complete the program.