Employees can earn the dual credentials needed to launch health care careers with The Arc of Putnam
The Arc of Putnam County, Inc. has partnered with Smart Horizons Career Online Education to offer employees the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma online while working toward a career in health care. The Arc of Putnam supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a variety of services, including residential living facilities. This program will help individuals overcome a barrier to employment by gaining the credentials and job-readiness skills needed to qualify for caregiver positions within these supported living communities.
“We believe this program allows individuals to take the first step in overcoming serious life barriers and begin a career in health care,” said The Arc of Putnam County Executive Director, Kari Bates. “Our hope is that through this program we will be able to demonstrate a commitment to our employees and thereby recruit and retain quality caregivers.”
“We are excited about the practical and immediate real-world career outcomes that this partnership will provide,” said Dr. Howard Liebman, Smart Horizons’ District Superintendent. “It offers a direct pathway to educational and career advancement in a high-demand, high-growth field.”
About The Arc of Putnam County
Since 1974, The Arc of Putnam County has provided advocacy, individually tailored living environments, meaningful day activities, work training and employment services to enable people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their full potential and enrich our community. For more information visit arcputnam.org.
About Smart Horizons Career Online Education
Smart Horizons Career Online Education, founded in 2009 and based in Pensacola, Florida, is a private, AdvancED/SACS/NCA/NWAC accredited online school district. District accreditation signifies that SHCOE and all of its schools are fully accredited and that SHCOE is recognized across the nation as a quality school system. SHCOE offers 18-credit, career-based high school diploma programs that are designed to prepare students for entrance into the workplace. Career certificate offerings include Home Care Professional, Child Care, Office Management, Protection Services, Homeland Security, Commercial Driving, Retail Customer Service, Food and Hospitality, and General Career Preparation. For more information, visit shcoe.org.