Building Healthcare Pathways: Expanding Student Opportunity in New Jersey

Building Healthcare Pathways in New Jersey

At Charles E. Brimm Medical Arts High School, part of the Camden City School District in New Jersey, students are gaining early access to high-demand healthcare careers through a growing CTE program powered by iCEV. Led by Dr. Darryl Williams, a retired board-certified chiropractic physician turned educator, the district launched its allied health certification program in 2021 to better prepare students for both college and career pathways.

From the beginning, the goal was clear: equip students with the skills and confidence to succeed in real-world healthcare environments. “We wanted students to become comfortable with online instruction and independent study,” Williams explains, “so the learning curve wouldn’t be as steep” as they move into college and certification programs.

Using iCEV as the foundation, students begin building these skills as early as their freshman year. Through a structured progression of coursework, dual credit opportunities, and certifications, students can graduate with industry credentials and up to 28 college credits, giving them a significant head start.

The results are strong. The program is seeing certification success rates between 90–100%, with students moving directly into roles such as pharmacy technician, patient care technician, and EMT, or continuing their education with a clear path forward.

In the classroom, iCEV enables a dynamic, student-centered learning experience. Williams blends interactive assignments, group work, and independent study to keep students engaged. “Tasking on a given day may include career connection, vocabulary exercises, student notes, and either an activity or project that's embedded in the interactive component of ICEV,” Williams says. “The iCEV curriculum and the diversity it provides has allowed me to mix it up,” he says, giving students multiple ways to learn and demonstrate their understanding.

That flexibility is especially important in preparing students for life after high school. Many go on to work in local hospitals and healthcare systems, while others pursue additional certifications or college degrees. Regardless of the path, students leave with valuable, lasting credentials. As Williams tells them, “This is something that will be yours for the rest of your life.”

One student’s journey highlights this impact. Sheyla Vazquez entered the program planning to pursue nursing and quickly excelled. After earning her pharmacy technician certification, she was identified during a hospital placement and offered a job while still in high school. She has continued working throughout college while attending Villanova University’s School of Nursing, even earning additional certifications and recognition for her academic research—demonstrating how early credentialing can open doors to both education and career advancement.

Beyond individual success, the program is helping meet a growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in the Camden community. With major healthcare systems investing in the region, students are gaining access to meaningful career opportunities close to home.

Camden City School District’s and Brimm Medical Arts High School’s success highlights a powerful takeaway: when students are given early access to industry-aligned curriculum and certifications, they gain the skills, confidence, and direction needed to build a promising future.