Entry-level healthcare careers help open the doors of opportunity while preparing individuals for the industry. These support roles are instrumental in ensuring clinicians can provide the best care for patients. Our technician programs in pharmacy, phlebotomy and sterile can provide aspiring healthcare professionals with a strong foundation for the future. Here is an overview of each program:

Meet Your Instructor: Kristin Stiller, BA, MHA, CCRP
Kristin is an instructor in the Foundations of Clinical Research program.  She teaches Good Clinical Practice; Ethical oversight; Scientific Integrity, Privacy and Overview of Study Design - Methods, Types, and Drug Development Process.

Mica Werner, MSM, is an Instructor at Portland Community College. She grew up in Ann Arbor, MI. After earning a BA in English from Michigan State University she took the next logical step and accepted a job as a medical assistant in a women’s health clinic.

Leslie Hildula has been around entrepreneurs all of her life, but nothing she has experienced could have fully prepared her for what's happening with small businesses during this time of global pandemic. Leslie and her team are working diligently to help Portland restaurant owners weather the storm of Covid-19 and the Oregon Governor's "Stay Home, Save Lives" orders.

Restaurant Virtual Meetup -- Leslie and her team are hosting virtual meetups for restaurant owners every other Tuesday. Learn more and sign up HERE.

Having been with Portland Community College since 1999, Carolyn Waterfall has taught a wide variety of highly experiential and fun courses designed to enhance leadership, management and communication skills.

Sean Harry has been with PCC's Small Business Development Center for the last eight and a half years. Before that, he helped budding entrepreneurs turn their hobbies into small businesses. He has started four small businesses and is always excited to share his experiences and the experiences from the many small businesses he has advised.

Grants are funds offered to companies, non-profits, and other organizations to help these groups reach their goals. For some organizations, grant money accounts for most or all of their operating budgets. Needless to say, it is essential for them to do their best to win these funds, which do not have to be paid back.

Hallie Puncochar has taught Computer Applications at Rock Creek for ten years. Before that, Hallie was a Global Account Specialist with a trims manufacturer that served major apparel giants such as Nike, Adidas, Columbia Sportswear, and Kroger. After a competitor acquired the parent company, Puncochar pursued a Master’s in Teaching. She found training others so enjoyable that, soon after graduation, she applied and was hired to teach at PCC. Learn more about the instructor for Technology Professional Development below.

With an extensive background in education, healthcare, and sales, Sheila Meserschmidt has been serving as the Director of the Institute for Health Professionals for 10 years. Her experience helps her to serve the department as it continues to grow to match the demand of the respective industries in Portland. Here she will share more about the upcoming programs, who can benefit from them, and more.

Although hospitals and other medical institutions are heavily associated with nurses and doctors, several other health professionals, such as sterile processing technicians, are critical for delivering quality healthcare to patients in a safe, efficient manner.