At Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center (RCCHC), workforce development is not just about filling positions—it is about creating pathways for individuals to grow, advance, and build lasting careers in healthcare.

Latoya Ward-Tann’s journey is a powerful example of what it means to truly move through the workforce pipeline.

Latoya began her career at RCCHC as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Through RCCHC’s workforce development strategy, she was selected as a participant in the first cohort of the Medical Assistant (MA) Apprenticeship Program.

With support from RCCHC, Latoya was able to complete her Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) training while remaining employed. The organization sponsored her education and provided dedicated time to complete her coursework—allowing her to successfully transition into a new clinical role.

After completing the program, Latoya worked as an RMA Journeyworker, where she not only provided patient care but also served as a preceptor for two years, helping train and mentor the next generation of Medical Assistants.

Committed to continued growth, Latoya took the next step in her career by enrolling in one of the first cohorts of the LPN Advancement Program through Halifax Community College. Through a secured grant, RCCHC was able to support her full educational journey as she advanced into nursing.

Today, Latoya is working as an LPN Journeyworker and continues to serve as a preceptor for LPN students, further extending her impact within the organization and community.

Her journey does not stop there—Latoya is preparing to enroll in the Registered Nurse (RN) pathway in August, continuing her progression along the healthcare career ladder.

In addition to her clinical role, Latoya now speaks at apprenticeship and workforce development events, sharing her story to inspire others and demonstrate what is possible through structured workforce pathways.

The Impact

  • Demonstrates a full career pathway: CNA → MA → LPN → RN (in progress)
  • Highlights the success of apprenticeship and advancement programs
  • Reflects the impact of employer-sponsored education and training
  • Shows the power of mentorship, as Latoya now trains others as a preceptor
  • Serves as a real example of workforce development in action

Why It Matters

Latoya’s journey represents the heart of workforce development—creating access, opportunity, and upward mobility for individuals within their own community.

Her story is not just about one individual—it is a reflection of a system intentionally designed to support growth at every stage. At RCCHC, this is what it looks like to not only build a workforce—but to build careers.