From Mendota to Coalinga, students across the Central Valley are taking their first steps into health care thanks to Coalinga College鈥檚 hands-on, high-impact health careers programs. With a strong pipeline into local hospitals and care facilities, the college is not only preparing future professionals鈥攊t鈥檚 strengthening the communities it serves.
This spring, 17 students graduated from the college鈥檚 Psychiatric Technician program, receiving their pins in a May 17, 2025, ceremony that marked the end of a rigorous and rewarding journey. The program is closely tied to the Coalinga State Hospital, where students complete their clinical hours through a longstanding partnership between the college and the facility.
Garrett Price, a psychiatric technician student, says the experience has been transformative.
鈥淐oalinga College has helped me by preparing me not just for the state board, but with schedule and time management,鈥� said Price. 鈥淭he program taught me how to structure my day and balance long, busy hours. I found a position as a Psych Tech trainee at the hospital while still in school, and after I pass my state exam, I鈥檒l be able to work as a licensed Psychiatric Technician. I aim to become a senior psych tech.鈥�
Meanwhile, Coalinga College and its Firebaugh Center continue to expand access to careers in direct patient care through the Nurse Assistant Training Program鈥攁 short-term, high-impact course designed to equip students to become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).
The six-week non-credit program runs three cohorts per year at both locations, with 15 students per class. It offers multiple on-ramps in the healthcare field annually. Upon completion, students can take the state certification exam and work immediately in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or in-home care.
Thanks to grants provided by the 91国产视频, the program is tuition-free for all students. Many also qualify for additional support to cover the cost of scrubs, shoes, and medical equipment like stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs.
For Isabella Figueroa, a recent Firebaugh Center student from Mendota, the program was exactly what she needed to launch her goals.
鈥淚 heard about the program on Facebook, and it鈥檚 been a really good experience,鈥� Figueroa said. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to start working as a CNA, and eventually, I鈥檇 love to become a nurse. What made a big difference was that it was local, and I qualified for a grant that paid for my scrubs and shoes. That support helped a lot.鈥�
Sherry Barragan, Coalinga College Psychiatric Technician Instructor and lead for both health careers programs, says the programs offer multiple meaningful pathways into the healthcare field.
鈥淭hese programs are opening doors for students who want to get into the medical field but may not know where to start,鈥� said Barragan. 鈥淲hether they choose psychiatric technology or nurse assisting, students are gaining hands-on training and stepping into real careers that are in high demand locally. We鈥檙e proud to provide a supportive, affordable pathway to immediate job opportunities.鈥�
With pathways that are both accessible and career-focused, Coalinga College鈥檚 health career programs are designed to meet workforce demand while removing barriers for students. The Psychiatric Technician program provides an essential workforce pipeline to the State Hospital, one of the region鈥檚 major employers.
The college鈥檚 ongoing investment in short-term training opportunities, supported by districtwide grants, is also part of a broader effort to grow the Central Valley鈥檚 health care workforce鈥攃lose to home.
Whether in a hospital ward or a patient鈥檚 living room, Coalinga College graduates are showing up with compassion, competence, and a commitment to care.