Applications Development Certificate
Learn how to program a better future with Central Penn College’s Applications Development Certificate.
Jobs related to applications development are expected to increase 22% through 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jumpstart your career in Information technology with a 9-month Applications Development Certificate.
Information technology (IT) is the backbone of modern business, and this certificate program prepares you to join the growing IT workforce.

What You Will Learn
The Applications Development certificate program will teach you how to…
- Write, analyze, review and rewrite programs by using workflow charts and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter and symbolic logic.
- Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine the feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
- Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
- Repair existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
- Evaluate code to ensure that it is valid, is properly structured, meets industry standards and is compatible with browsers, devices and operating systems.
A New 9-Month Certificate Program
- 18 Credits
- 9 Months
- Online
- Professional Career
Click here to view Central Penn College’s Admissions Requirements.
Courses
Structured Programming
Microcomputer Systems
Internet Programming I
Visual Basic For Applications
Object-Oriented Programming I
Internet Programming II
Careers in this field include
- Computer Programmer
- Web Applications Programmer
- Software Developer
- Java Developer
- Application Developer
- Help Desk Technician
- Website Developer
People who thrive in this field
- Detail-oriented
- Comfortable with technology
- Self-starter
- Analytical
- Collaborative
- Problem-solver
Bookkeeping Certificate
Capitalize on your potential with a bookkeeping certificate from Central Penn College!
Are you good with numbers? Are you detail-oriented? A bookkeeping certificate might be for you. Bookkeepers play a key role in the financial management of a successful company. They manage payroll, monitor expenses, and revenue, and help balance the books. Bookkeeping jobs can be found in almost all industries, ranging from large corporations to small family-owned businesses.
Are you looking for a career change? In just 9 months, you could earn a certificate in Bookkeeping and be positioned for a better future.

A New 9-Month Certificate Program
- 18 Credits
- 9 Months
- Online or in-person
- Professional career
What You Will Learn
The Bookkeeping certificate program will teach you how to…
- Produce financial reports.
- Track company expenses and revenue.
- Use accounting software to calculate and analyze information.
- Check figures, postings and documents for mathematical accuracy and proper codes.
- Comply with federal, state and local policies, procedures and regulations.
Click here to view Central Penn College’s Admissions Requirements.
Courses
College Algebra
Accounting I
Accounting II
Managerial Accounting
Data Management Applications
Survey of Windows
Careers in this field include
- Bookkeeper
- Accounting Clerk
- Auditing Clerk
- Payroll Specialist
- Accounting Associate / Specialist
- Accounting Technician
- Accounts Payable Specialist / Clerk
- Accounts Receivable Clerk
People who thrive in this field
- Detail-oriented
- Diligent
- Good with numbers
- Problem-solver
- Analytical
- Multi-tasker
- Conscientious
Entrepreneurship & Small Business Certificate
Starting and running a business is challenging enough. Why do it the hard way?
Take care of your business with the Entrepreneurship & Small Business Certificate program. Learn the business essentials that will save you time and money… and help you make more money in the long run as a business owner.
This 9-month program is perfect for people who want to learn business essentials fast, so they can either start their own business or make their current business even more successful.
Build Your Business
Small businesses are the engine of the economy. They drive innovation… solve problems… and create jobs. And despite the challenges, the best entrepreneurs––through knowledge, skills and hard work––find ways to succeed.
Pivoting for the Unprecedented
This new Entrepreneurship certificate program includes specific, pandemic-related content, with the purpose of enabling current and future entrepreneurs to adapt and pivot quickly when circumstances change.
Ready to apply now?Our first cohort is now enrolling!

Click here to view Central Penn College’s Admissions Requirements.
Courses
Business Accounting
Principles of Management
Principles of Marketing
Human Resources
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
Consumer Behavior (elective - must take 1)
Business Law (elective - must take 1)
Entrepreneurship and Innovation in a Context of Crisis (elective - must take 1)
Careers in this field include
- Small Business Owner
- Restaurateur
- Software / App Developer
- Landscaper
- Web Developer
- Franchisee
- Event Planner
- Tradesperson
People who thrive in this field
- Self-starter
- Risk-taker
- Adventurous
- Bold
- Leader
- Creative
- Hard-working
- Problem-solver
Healthcare Informatics Certificate
Take a data-driven path to greater success with Central Penn College’s Healthcare Informatics certificate program.
Are you a healthcare professional ready for your next challenge? Healthcare Informatics is revolutionizing the world of healthcare, and you could play a role in using data analysis to achieve better outcomes for patients. Informatics also enables healthcare providers to make strategic organizational changes that improve the delivery of services and treatment.

What You Will Learn
The Healthcare Informatics Certificate Program will teach you how to…
- Analyze healthcare data using various analytical software tools
- Evaluate information systems and how they improve efficiencies in a healthcare environment.
- Review emerging healthcare technology trends and propose its adoption in improving health outcomes
- Gain a deep understanding of the U.S. healthcare system and major health policies relevant to health informatics
- Demonstrate knowledge of clinical decision support systems in health-related environments

Requirements
This program is designed for professionals who have a bachelor’s degree in a STEM, nursing, healthcare management or a bachelor’s degree in another area approved by the program director.
A New 9-Month Certificate Program
- 18 Credits
- 9 Months – just three terms
- Online
- Post-baccalaureate program
Click here to view Central Penn College’s Admissions Requirements.
Courses
Healthcare Informatics
Introduction to Health Data Analytics
Issues and Trends in Healthcare
Health Information Systems
Project Management
Healthcare Information Privacy and Security
Careers in this field include
- Health Informatics Specialist
- Healthcare Research Assistant
- Nursing Informatics Specialist
- Clinical Informatics Nurse
- Medical Informatics Champion
- Quality Improvement Health Informatics Manager
- Healthcare Data Analyst
People who thrive in this field
- Thorough
- Detailed
- Are able to connect the dots
- See the big picture
- Creative
- Persistent
- Collaborative
- Think outside the box
Healthcare Management Certificate
Healthcare careers are on the rise, and managers and supervisors are in high demand. Prepare yourself by earning your Healthcare Management Certificate at Central Penn College.
Prepare yourself for greater opportunities by adding new skills, increasing your knowledge and gaining a deeper understanding of strategic management processes, healthcare finances and health information technology with Central Penn College’s Healthcare Management Certificate.

A New 9-Month Certificate Program
- 18 Credits
- 9 Months
- Online
- Professional Career
Required: For this post-baccalaureate certificate program, students must already have a bachelor’s degree in a healthcare-related program.
All credits earned in this program will transfer into the college’s Master’s of Professional Studies program.
What You Will Learn
The Healthcare Management certificate program will teach you how to…
- Examine critical thinking strategies including cognitive bias, reasoning pathways, and breakthrough innovation in healthcare leadership.
- Determine the impact of organizational behavior, ethics, and leadership on organizational outcomes.
- Apply the principles of quality improvement strategies to specific projects.
- Compare and contrast different care delivery models and evaluate their impact on providers, patients and healthcare organizations.
- Analyze population health and community assessment trends and determine how these factors influence strategic planning efforts in healthcare organizations.
- Evaluate leadership theories and techniques utilized in the organizational transformation to meet the challenge of the dynamic healthcare environment.
Click here to view Central Penn College’s Admissions Requirements.
Courses
Perspectives of Ethics and Leadership
Healthcare Quality and Risk Management
Epidemiology and Population Health for Healthcare Managers
Care Delivery and Reimbursement
Change Leadership in Healthcare
Critical Thinking and Healthcare Innovation
Careers in this field include
- Healthcare Manager And Supervisor
- Hospital Administrator
- Office Manager
- Supervisor, Health Information Management
- Practice Manager
- Quality Improvement Manager
- Health Finance Manager
People who thrive in this field
- Problem-solver
- Ethical
- Compassionate
- Background in healthcare
- Good with numbers
- Comfortable with technology
- Collaborative
- Sees the big picture
- Able to connect the dots
Homeland Security Management Certificate
Protect, honor, and serve with Central Penn College’s new Homeland Security Management Certificate.
Are you interested in a career in law enforcement, homeland security and/or emergency management? Central Penn College’s Homeland Security Management certificate program provides a strong foundation for individuals ready to enter this growing profession.

A New 9-Month Certificate Program
- · 18 Credits
- · 9 Months
- · Online
- · Professional Career
This certificate program can serve as a bridge or ladder to our degree programs. Central Penn College offers bachelor’s degrees in Homeland Security Management and Criminal Justice Administration, along with an associate degree in Criminal Justice. All 18 credits earned in the Homeland Security Management Certificate Program can be transferred to these degree programs.
Apply today!What You Will Learn
The Homeland Security Management certificate program will teach you how to…
- Collect, collate and organize large amounts of data from multiple sources.
- Apply analytical methods to solve emergency and crisis management problems.
- Prepare and plan disaster response and crisis management activities.
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with municipalities, county departments, and state agencies.
- Coordinate disaster response activities, including ordering evacuations, opening public shelters and implementing customized programs.
Click here to view Central Penn College’s Admissions Requirements.
Courses
Principles of Private Security
Homeland Security Management
Fundamentals of Intelligence Analysis
Emergency Management
Threats to Homeland Security
Data Mining and Predictive Analysis
Careers in this field include
- Security officers/agents
- Loss prevention officers/agents
- Security managers/supervisors
- Emergency management directors
- Crisis/disaster management supervisors
- Counterterrorism operational officers
- Police and sheriff’s patrol office
People who thrive in this field
- Analytical, detail-oriented
- Cool under pressure
- Problem solver
- Strong communications skills
- Focused
- Responsive
- Sees the big picture
- Deadline-oriented
- Compassionate
Human Resource Management Certificate
Chart a new career path or build on existing skills… with a new 9-month certificate in Human Resource Management offered by Central Penn College.
Develop Your Full Potential
Human resources (HR) departments are critical to organizational success. Human Resource Management professionals recruit, screen, interview and hire personnel. They also perform essential functions involving employee relations, organizational culture, compensation and benefits, and training.
A New 9-Month Certificate Program
- 18 Credits
- 9 Months
- Fully online
- High-demand career
What You Will Learn
The Human Resource Management certificate program will teach how to…
- Select, motivate and develop workers.
- Understand the legal, regulatory and ethical issues related to HR management.
- Evaluate strategies aimed at promoting organizational effectiveness.

Click here to view Central Penn College’s Admissions Requirements.
Courses
Principles of Management
Human Resources
Health, Safety and Security
Recruitment, Selection and Placement
Evaluation and Assessment
Training and Development
Careers in this field include
- Human Resources Generalist
- Human Resources Manager
- Human Resources Assistant / Specialist
- Compensation and Benefits Specialist
- Employee Relations Specialist
- Social and Community Specialist
- Training and Development Specialist
- Payroll Specialist
People who thrive in this field
- Proactive
- Adaptive
- Empathetic
- Accountable
- Detail-oriented
- Customer-friendly
- Problem-solver
- Analytical
- Collaborative
- Multi-tasker
- Enjoys working with others
- Strong communicator
Marketing Management Certificate
Gain knowledge, build skills, and achieve more with Central Penn College’s Marketing Management Certificate.
Take your career to the next level… with a certificate in Marketing Management. Build essential skills for marketing a business and leading a team. Sharpen your knowledge of advertising, communications and sales in just 9 months!

What You Will Learn
The Marketing Management Certificate Program will teach you how to apply marketing concepts to business models, develop a marketing strategy and implement an advertising campaign. This certificate will prepare students for a wide range of careers in the field of marketing and management.
A New 9-Month Certificate Program
- 9 months
- 18 credits
- Online
- Professional career
Click here to view Central Penn College’s Admissions Requirements.
Courses
Fundamentals of Selling
Principles of Management
Principles of Marketing
Consumer Behavior
Advertising
Strategic Planning and Marketing Communications
Organizational Behavior
Careers in this field include
- Business Manager
- Department Manager
- Retail Manager
- Department Supervisor
- Marketing Team Lead
- Marketing Strategist
- Sales Manager
People who thrive in this field
- Inspired and inspiring
- Leader
- Motivational
- Detail-Oriented
- See the big picture
- People person
- Strategic thinker
- Collaborative
- Encouraging
Medical Assisting Diploma Program Lancaster
If you’re looking for a career where you can make a difference, consider Central Penn’s new Medical Assisting Diploma Program.
Medical assistants are one of the unsung heroes of the healthcare profession. They are talented, versatile healthcare professionals who perform both clinical and administrative duties. They are often one of the first healthcare workers patients see and interact with when they visit a physician’s office.
Jobs in Medical Assisting are expected to grow 19% through 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Factors fueling this job growth include:
- The predicted surge in the number of physicians’ offices and outpatient care facilities
- Technological advancements
- A growing number of elderly Americans who need medical treatment
Medical Assisting Diploma courses are exclusively offered in-person during the day at Central Penn College’s Lancaster Center.
What does a Medical Assistant do?
- Rooming patients
- Checking and recording vital signs
- Taking a complete medical history of the patient
- Administering medications
- Assisting the provider with minor office procedures
- Drawing blood
- Scheduling referral appointments for patients
A New Certificate Program
- 12 Months – 9 months of coursework, 3-month internship
- 30 Credits – 24 course credits, 6 for internship
- Daytime, in-person classes at the Lancaster Center
- High-demand, healthcare career


The Central Penn College Medical Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 113th Street N #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org
www.maerb.org
Disclaimer: Central Penn College cannot guarantee clinical placements for students who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Click here to view Central Penn College’s Admissions Requirements.
Courses
MA Clinical Education I
MA Clinical Education II
MA Clinical Education III
MA Administrative Skills I
MA Administrative Skills II
Healthcare Insurance
Structure, Function, & Disease of the Human Body I
Structure, Function, & Disease of the Human Body II
Structure, Function, & Disease of the Human Body III
Careers in this field include
- Certified Medical Assistant
- Medical Office Assistant
- EKG Technician
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Health Unit Clerk
- Medical Claims Examiner
People who thrive in this field
- Empathetic
- Detail-oriented
- Customer-friendly
- Compassionate
- Collaborative
- Organized
- Versatile
- Nonjudgmental
- Enjoys working with others
“Medical assistants play a critical role in delivering compassionate care to patients at physician offices and outpatient care facilities. If you’re a person who likes interacting with people and who enjoys helping others, then a career as a Medical Assistant could be extremely fulfilling for you!”
– Nikki Marhefka, Program Director, Medical Assistings
Medical Assisting Diploma Program Summerdale
If you’re looking for a career where you can make a difference, with the chance for full tuition reimbursement, consider Central Penn’s new Medical Assisting Diploma Program.
GRADUATES WHO FULFILL THE UPMC WORK COMMITMENT WILL RECEIVE PAYMENTS THE EQUIVALENT OF THE COST OF THE PROGRAMS IN ADDITION TO THEIR SALARIES

UPMC, UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, and Central Penn College are working together once again to develop the next generation of health care professionals in the region. In February, they rolled out an innovative Surgical Technician Program in which students who successfully complete the program and are hired by UPMC will receive payments equivalent to the full cost of the program in addition to their salary.
Medical assistants are one of the unsung heroes of the healthcare profession. They are talented, versatile healthcare professionals who perform both clinical and administrative duties. They are often one of the first healthcare workers patients see and interact with when they visit a physician’s office.
Jobs in Medical Assisting are expected to grow 19% through 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Factors fueling this job growth include:
- The predicted surge in the number of physicians’ offices and outpatient care facilities
- Technological advancements
- A growing number of elderly Americans who need medical treatment
Medical Assisting Diploma courses are exclusively offered in-person during the day at Central Penn College’s Summerdale campus.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants for the Medical Assisting program must have a minimum GPA of a 2.0 from the official transcripts from the last school attended to be considered for acceptance. In addition, applicants must have successfully completed two sciences (C or higher) and one math course (C or higher) in high school or college. GED scores will be accepted.
Applicants are required to submit two reference forms. Reference forms can be attained through the admissions office. If the student does not meet these criteria they are able to file an appeal for acceptance to the Program Director.
Prospective students must complete an essay and be interviewed by an admissions counselor.
How Do I Get the MA Diploma Program Paid?
Central Penn College will work with students on financial aid packages or payment plan options at the time of their enrollment. Those students hired by UPMC (contingent upon their performance during the course work and externship, and successfully passing their certification exam), will receive a payment each month of employment toward their program costs. By the third year of employment at UPMC, the tuition costs will be completely reimbursed.*
What does a Medical Assistant do?
- Rooming patients
- Checking and recording vital signs
- Taking a complete medical history of the patient
- Administering medications
- Assisting the provider with minor office procedures
- Drawing blood
- Scheduling referral appointments for patients
12-Month Certificate Program
- 12 Months
- 30 Credits
- Daytime, in-person classes in Summerdale
- High-demand, healthcare career
APPLY BY JUNE 30, 2022
Classes will start Tuesday, July 5. Due to the medical nature of these programs, students will receive hands-on, experiential learning as part of the required, in-person classes. The first term enrollment is limited to 20 students for each program. The deadline to apply is Thursday, June 30. Apply by September 29, 2022
Apply now!Accreditation
The Central Penn College Medical Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 113th Street N #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org
www.maerb.org
Disclaimer: Central Penn College cannot guarantee clinical placements for students who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Click here to view Central Penn College’s Admissions Requirements.
Courses
MA Clinical Education I
MA Clinical Education II
MA Clinical Education III
MA Administrative Skills I
MA Administrative Skills II
Healthcare Insurance
Structure, Function, & Disease of the Human Body I
Structure, Function, & Disease of the Human Body II
Structure, Function, & Disease of the Human Body III
Careers in this field include
- Certified Medical Assistant
- Medical Office Assistant
- EKG Technician
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Health Unit Clerk
- Medical Claims Examiner
People who thrive in this field
- Empathetic
- Detail-oriented
- Customer-friendly
- Compassionate
- Collaborative
- Organized
- Versatile
- Nonjudgmental
- Enjoys working with others
“Medical assistants play a critical role in delivering compassionate care to patients at physician offices and outpatient care facilities. If you’re a person who likes interacting with people and who enjoys helping others, then a career as a Medical Assistant could be extremely fulfilling for you!”
– Nikki Marhefka, Program Director, Medical Assistings
Medical Billing & Coding Certificate
Jobs in Medical Billing & Coding are expected to grow 11% through 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Medical Billing & Coding professionals (certified and non-certified) earn an average salary of $54,890, up 5.8% from last year’s average salary of $51,889. Medical coders without certification earn approximately $42,015 per year while certified professional coders on average earn $55,923 annually—33% more than their non-certified colleagues, according to the American Academy of Professional Coders. Ready to go? Apply today!
What Does a Medical Billing Coder Do?
- Record and process patient data including treatment records, insurance information, bills and payments.
- Set-up payment plans for patients.
- Organize and verify patient records, bills and statements.
- Code patients’ diagnoses and requests payment from insurance companies or individuals.
A New 9-Month Certificate Program
- 18 Credits
- 9 Months
- Online classes
- High-demand, healthcare career


Click here to view Central Penn College’s Admissions Requirements.
Courses
Medical Terminology and Pharmacology
Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology I
Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology II
Medical Insurance
Diagnostic Coding
Procedural Coding
Careers in this field include
- Certified Medical Coder
- Medical Billing & Coding Technician
- Medical Billing & Coding Specialist
- Dental Insurance Coder
- Practice Coordinator
People who thrive in this field
- Detail-oriented
- Customer-friendly
- Problem-solver
- Good with numbers
- Collaborative
- Independent worker
- Multi-tasker
- Enjoys working with others
Optometric Technician Certificate
Do you know that nearly two-thirds of the U.S. adult population wears glasses or contact lenses?
Vision care is a multi-billion-dollar industry, and you could be part of it by earning an Optometric Technician Certificate.
This accelerated, 9-month Optometric Technician Certificate program prepares students to join the burgeoning healthcare industry. Would you like to work in a professional setting… assist patients in receiving proper care… and work directly with an eye-care specialist, such as an optician or optometrist? If so, this career-changing program is for you.
What You Will Learn
The Optometric Technician Certificate program will teach you how to…
- Gather an eye health history from patients
- Prepare patients for examination by the doctor
- Perform various visual assessments
- Educate patients regarding contact lens care
- Evaluate fit and the style of eyeglasses
- Assist in eye examinations

A New, 9-Month Certificate Program
- 9 months
- 18 credits
- Evening courses at the Summerdale campus
- Daytime internship during last term
- Professional career
Vision Benefits of America Opportunity Scholarship
Ask about our $1,000 scholarship opportunity that is being provided by Vision Benefits of America to students in Central Penn College’s Optometric Technician Certificate program.
Contact financialaid@lvyechao.com or visit our scholarships page for more information!
Click here to view Central Penn College’s Admissions Requirements.
Courses
Basic Optometric Science
Basic Optometric Clinical Skills I
Basic Optometric Clinical Skills II
Optometric Technology and Procedures
Ethical Practice in Optometry
Ophthalmic Clinical Practicum
Careers in this field include
- Optometric Technician
- Optometric Assistant
- Ophthalmic Technician
- Ophthalmic Assistant
People who thrive in this field
- Detail-oriented
- Customer-friendly
- Thorough
- Efficient
- Problem-solver
- Compassionate
- Collaborative
- Strong communicator
Organization Change Management Certificate
Earn your Organization Change Management certificate completely online! Become an effective leader by conveniently taking classes that fit your busy schedule.
Companies are always in search of forward-thinking supervisors, managers and leaders. Prepare yourself for the next phase of your career… with a certificate in Organization Change Management. Make the leap to the next level with the knowledge and skills you learn in this transformative program.
This accelerated, nine-month program will provide students with a deep understanding of key management theories, the complex interrelationships between organization departments, and the information concepts and strategies used in today’s business world to effect, manage and lead change.

A New 9-Month Certificate Program
- 18 Credits
- 9 Months
- Online
- Professional career
Admission Requirements
Prior management experience or having previously completed a course in Business Management is required.
Click here to view Central Penn College’s Admissions Requirements.
Courses
Operations Management
Project Management
Organizational Behavior
Business Policy Formulation
Organizational Process Improvement
Organizational Change Management
Careers in this field include
- Business Manager
- Management Analyst
- Program Manager
- Operations Director
- Change Management Specialist
- Plant Superintendent
- Change Management Consultant
- Organizational Strategist
People who thrive in this field
- Innovative
- Prepared
- Forward-thinking
- Adaptive
- Flexible
- Motivational
- Detail-oriented
- Trailblazer
Personal Training Certification Preparation Course (non-credit)
Have you ever thought about a career as a personal trainer? Or starting a “side hustle” teaching exercise classes at the fitness center or gym? Earn your Personal Training Certificate for only $579!
Are you passionate about health and fitness? Do you love spending time in the gym… learning new exercises… trying different workouts? If so, get certified… with our 10-week Personal Training certificate course.
The whole focus of this program is to prepare you to pass the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) certification exam in the allotted two-and-a-half-hour time.
Preparing for the 150-question exam on your own can be challenging. Why not let our expert professor guide you through the complex concepts? The instructor will be there to clarify the detailed section on kinesiology… answer your questions on physiology… and help you master all the material, so you are in the best position to pass the exam.
Earn your Personal Training Certificate for only $579!


Shape Your Future with a Personal Training Certificate
Personal trainers are in high demand by gyms, fitness studios and exercise programs. In addition, many people hire certified personal trainers to work one-on-one with them on improving their health and fitness.
Click here to register now!The Course
Inquire about payment plans with an Admissions Counselor now!
What You Will Learn
During this 10-week, online Personal Training certificate course, you will gain an increased level of competence with:
- A core focus on body sciences – anatomy, physiology and kinesiology
- Nutrition
- Personal trainer certification preparation
- Client intake and assessment, fitness screening and design of personal fitness programs
- Motivational techniques, goal setting and long-term sustainability of health habits
- All subjects covered by the ACSM exam
An optional textbook is not included in the cost of the program.
Click here to view Central Penn College’s Admissions Requirements.
Courses
Personal Training
Careers in this field include
- Personal Trainer
- Fitness Coach
- Group Exercise Instructor
- Lifestyle Consultant
- Health & Wellness Coach
- Gym Manager
People who thrive in this field
- Motivated
- Health Conscious
- Goal-Directed
- Hard Worker
- Focused
- Open-Minded
- Good with People
- Empathetic
- Effective Listener
Phlebotomy Technician
Thinking about changing careers? Are you good with people? Cool under pressure? Becoming a Phlebotomy Technician might be the career you’ve been looking for. UPMC is also currently offering students the opportunity to receive full tuition reimbursement.

Draw On Our Expertise and earn your Phlebotomy Technician Certificate
In as little as nine months, you could be working in the healthcare field. Our 18-credit Phlebotomy Technician certificate program prepares you for this high-demand career.
Students who successfully complete the coursework will have the opportunity to become Certified Phlebotomy Technicians (CPT). CPT jobs are projected to grow by 25% through 2026.* As a student in this program, you’ll learn how to perform blood collection… conduct CLIA-waived laboratory tests… verify patient identity… collect, store and process blood, urine and other specimens for laboratory testing… and much more.
This postsecondary certificate is part of the Medical Assisting associate degree. As a Phlebotomy Technician, you could work at a hospital, diagnostic laboratory, blood donor center or private medical office.
“Phlebotomists and medical assistants are much-needed members of the health care team, providing a wide range of crucial services to patients,” said Lou Baverso, chief operating officer, UPMC in Central Pa. “It is a need in our communities, and we hope this will help fill it. We’re very happy to partner with Central Penn College to support these programs and provide a high-quality education at potentially no final cost to the student.”
Opportunity to Receive Full Tuition
Through an innovative combination of funding from UPMC, Central Penn College, and UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, program graduates who work at UPMC will receive payments in addition to their salaries equivalent to the cost of the programs. Students must complete at least two years of the work requirement at UPMC facilities in the Central Pa. region.
How Do I Get the Phlebotomy Technician Certificate Program Paid?
Central Penn College will work with students on financial aid packages or payment plan options at the time of their enrollment. Those students hired by UPMC (contingent upon their performance during the course work and externship, and successfully passing their certification exam), will receive a payment each month of employment toward their program costs. By the second year of employment at UPMC, the tuition costs will be completely reimbursed.*
Phlebotomy Technician Admissions Requirements
Applicants for the Phlebotomy Technician certificate must have a minimum GPA of a 2.20 from the last school attended or have a passing GED score to be considered for acceptance. Applicants must have successfully completed two sciences (C or higher) and one math course (C or higher) in high school or college. In addition, applicants are required to submit two reference forms. Reference forms can be attained through the admissions office. If the student does not meet these criteria, they are able to file an appeal for acceptance to the Program Director.
Prospective students must complete an essay and be interviewed by an admissions counselor.
*For Veteran Students Only – Central Penn College will review a student’s prior credits, but does not guarantee that any will be acceptable for transfer into the Phlebotomy Technician certificate program.
Apply by June 30, 2022
Classes will start Tuesday, July 5. Due to the medical nature of these programs, students will receive hands-on, experiential learning as part of the required, in-person classes. The first term enrollment is limited to 20 students for each program. The deadline to apply is Thursday, June 30.
Apply Now!Click here to view Central Penn College’s Admissions Requirements
Courses
Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology I & II
Medical Terminology and Pharmacology
Allied Health Procedures
Medical Law and Ethics
Medical Laboratory
Careers in this field include
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician
- Certified Phlebotomist
People who thrive in this field
- Caring
- Detail-oriented
- Organized
- Possess grace under pressure
- People Person
- Calm demeanor
- Super-focused
Surgical Technician Diploma
Interested in becoming an vital part of an operating room or surgical center? Our Surgical Technician Diploma might be for you!
Surgical Technician Diploma Program Sponsored by UPMC
The Surgical Technician Diploma program provides students with the technical knowledge and skills required for employment as a member of an operating room healthcare team in a hospital or surgical center.
Surgical technicians are highly skilled and highly sought-after healthcare paraprofessionals. This short-term program is for individuals looking to change careers, or high school graduates who wish to work in healthcare and are looking to quickly enter the workforce. Hands-on learning through simulation and live clinical experiences will prepare students for certification.
JOIN THIS EXCITING FIELD AND HAVE THE FULL TUITION COST OF THE PROGRAM REIMBURSED!
UPMC, UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, and Central Penn College are working together to bring more skilled surgical technicians to the region. In addition to making a meaningful impact in the community, students who successfully complete the program and are hired by UPMC will receive financial assistance up to full reimbursement of all diploma tuition costs.

The deadline to enroll is September 29
In just 18 months you can be part of an exciting, fast-growing field in health care. And you can have your tuition completely reimbursed!
What You Will Learn
The Surgical Technician Diploma Program will provide you with training in essential healthcare skills, surgical instrumentation, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, patient care, surgical pharmacology and microbiology. You will complete observation experiences as well as a 120-case internship at the conclusion of the program.
How Do I Get the Program Paid?
Central Penn College will work with students on financial aid packages or payment plan options at the time of their enrollment. Those students hired by UPMC (contingent upon their performance during the course work and externship, and successfully passing their certification exam), will receive a payment each month of employment toward their program costs. By the third year of employment at UPMC, the tuition costs will be completely reimbursed.*
OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE FULL TUITION
Through an innovative combination of funding from UPMC, Central Penn College, and UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, students who work at UPMC for three years following graduation will have the full tuition cost of the diploma program reimbursed. Students must complete at least two years of the work requirement at UPMC’s facilities in the Central Pa. region.
Diploma students also have the opportunity to work with UPMC during their education. A variety of full- and part-time positions are available that can accommodate their studies.
Central Penn College also is making the CPC Housing Scholarship available to all qualifying Surgical Technician Diploma and AAS Program enrollees who choose to live on campus, valued at $5,800 a year.
A New 18-Month Certificate Program
- 42 Credits
- 18 Months
- In-person
- Summerdale
- Professional Career
Admission Requirements
- Be a high school graduate with GPA of at least a 2.5, or GED recipient with a score of 500 (score of 50 prior to 2002).
- Successfully completed two sciences (C or higher) and one algebra course (C or higher) in high school or college. If students don’t meet these criteria, they are able to file an appeal for acceptance to the Dean of Health Sciences.
After Acceptance
- Complete a background check.
- Provide documentation of current required immunizations and current Healthcare Provider CPR certification.
- Possess American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider certification––valid prior to the start of Internship (SUR290) with current certification maintained through the completion of clinical rotations.

Disclaimer: Central Penn College cannot guarantee clinical placements for students who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Click here to view Central Penn College’s Admissions Requirements.
Courses
Anatomy and Physiology, I
Medical Terminology and Pharmacology
Fundamentals of Surgical Technology
Anatomy and Physiology, II
Preoperative Techniques and Procedures
Intraoperative Techniques and Procedures
Surgical Pharmacology
Microbiology
Postoperative Techniques and Procedures
Medical Law and Ethics
Surgical Specialties and Pathophysiology
Internship (120 cases)
Certification Exam Review With Internship
Careers in this field include
- Surgical Technician
- Surgical Technologist
People who thrive in this field
- Detail-oriented
- Caring
- Collaborative
- Focused
- Thorough
- Handle pressure well
- Compassionate
- Ability to remain composed