In rural northeastern North Carolina, access to quality healthcare can be a challenge—not because of dedication or need, but because of persistent workforce shortages. Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center (RCCHC) is addressing this head-on through its innovative Workforce Development Program, designed to strengthen and expand the local healthcare workforce pipeline.

The program connects high school, college, and university students—as well as current RCCHC employees—to paid internships, apprenticeships, and clinical experiences that lead to long-term healthcare careers. With multiple tiers of opportunity—including high school pre-apprenticeships, college internships, and registered apprenticeship programs in roles such as Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, and EHR Support Analyst—participants gain hands-on, competency-based learning and mentorship within a community health setting.

By “growing their own” talent, RCCHC tackles two critical issues: the shortage of healthcare professionals in rural areas and the need for sustainable career pathways for local residents. The program opens doors for individuals, particularly those from economically distressed or underserved backgrounds, to earn skills, certifications, and meaningful employment without leaving their community.

The impact of the program over the past year has been remarkable:

  • 10 high school Early College interns completed paid internships.
  • 5 university interns gained real-world experience in clinical and administrative departments.
  • 9 Medical Billing and Coding completers successfully transitioned into the Medical Assisting program, with more staff on the waitlist.
  • New ApprenticeshipNC partnerships expanded opportunities in additional healthcare occupations.
  • RCCHC earned recognition as a model apprenticeship program, presenting its outcomes at the ENC WIN Apprenticeship Summit.
  • Stronger collaborations with Eastern AHEC, ECU Health, NCWorks, and local colleges enhanced access to education, funding, and training opportunities.

Beyond filling staffing gaps, RCCHC’s Workforce Development Program fosters community engagement, improves continuity of care, and cultivates a culture of growth and empowerment. By investing in the people who call their service area home, RCCHC is creating lasting economic mobility while ensuring that rural North Carolina has the skilled healthcare professionals it needs.