FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — Patrick & Henry Community College (P&HCC) has signed a new agreement with Franklin County to expand healthcare education opportunities by offering nurse aide training at The Franklin Center in Rocky Mount.

The partnership will enable students in southern Franklin County to earn industry-recognized nurse aide credentials close to home, with the aim of strengthening both the local healthcare workforce and economic stability.

“We are honored to provide on-site, nurse aide instruction at the Franklin Center that results in industry-recognized certifications and credentials,” said P&HCC President Greg Hodges. “While we offer a number of credentials with fancy acronyms at Patrick & Henry, our central focus is the J-O-B degree, and courses like this do just that.”

Franklin County Administrator Chris Whitlow praised the expansion, noting the program’s broader impact on the region’s education and workforce pipelines.

“The new programs announced today not only provide training for high-demand occupations but will also serve as a launchpad for further healthcare degree opportunities such as EMT offerings through the local high school and the BSN nursing degree program at Ferrum College,” said Whitlow.

Hodges and Whitlow signed the agreement at a ceremony held on May 19 at The Franklin Center, joined by college officials, board members, and community leaders.

The memorandum of understanding affirms a shared commitment to improving healthcare delivery and promoting career readiness throughout the region, according to a news release.

Patrick & Henry Community College (P&HCC) has entered into an agreement with Franklin County to expand healthcare programming to enable students to earn a Nurse Aide credential at The Franklin Center in Rocky Mount.

“We are honored to provide on-site, nurse aide instruction at the Franklin Center that results in industry recognized certifications and credentials,” said P&HCC President Greg Hodges, adding, “While we offer a number of credentials with fancy acronyms at Patrick & Henry, our central focus is the J-O-B degree and courses like this do just that.”

Classes begin on June 2 and those interested can sign up by contacting Christy Lester at clester@patrickhenry.edu or FastForward at fastforward@patrickhenry.edu.

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