When Catie Lees’ Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) students stepped into the Georgia Emergency Medical Services Association’s Cadaver Lab, they weren’t just observing healthcare; they were practicing it on real human bodies. 

Thanks to a $600 grant from HireSmart Cares, students at Jackson County’s Empower College & Career Center received hands-on emergency medicine training that mirrored what paramedics and EMTs experience in the field. Working under professional supervision, they practiced airway management, manual ventilation, CPR, and wound care on real cadavers, an experience that connected classroom learning to real human anatomy. 

The HireSmart Cares grant covered transportation and substitute teacher costs so students could participate without financial barriers. The cadaver lab, held at Lanier Technical College on Oct. 2, typically served practicing paramedics and EMTs but opened a few final spots to students in training programs. 

From Nervous to Confident 

Throughout the day, Lees watched her students transform from apprehensive to confident. 

“I observed that several students were nervous at first, but once we completed the anatomy station, they quickly became engaged and left those nerves behind,” she said. “They gained confidence as the day went on and jumped right into each hands-on experience.” 

Isabella Palmai admitted she was both anxious and excited before walking into the lab. 

“It was really scary at first, but I pushed past my fears and learned how to do things like intubating,” she said. 

Several classmates echoed that sense of discovery. Lauren Inacu realized she could handle more than she expected, while TJ Her called the experience an adrenaline rush that strengthened her desire to become a paramedic. 

Real-World Skills, Real Impact 

Students said the training gave them a deeper understanding of healthcare. 

“I learned more anatomy about the body, how to do OPA and NPA, how to do a jaw thrust, how to intubate, and how to suction,” said Kensleigh Hewatt. 

Palmai said the experience showed her “how much precision and power our healthcare workers hold.” Lees added that it was rewarding to see classroom concepts click in real time. 

Career Clarity Through Experience 

The cadaver lab also helped students clarify their career goals. 

“I believe this experience lit a fire in many of them to continue pursuing careers in healthcare,” Lees said. “A few students who were on the fence realized that while healthcare may not be their path, they’re still interested in related fields.” 

Bianca Benitez Torres said it sparked her interest in anatomy. Brook Lockman decided she preferred healthcare roles without direct contact with cadavers, while Nathan Bade said it helped him understand what being a nurse or EMT might involve. 

Five Pathways to Healthcare Success 

Empower offers five healthcare pathways that prepare students for immediate employment after graduation. 

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR): Students earn certification commonly held by firefighters and police officers, with many continuing as EMTs or paramedics. 

Phlebotomy: Students learn blood collection and can earn Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) credentials to work in hospitals or labs. 

Allied Health: Teaches transferable skills such as vital signs, first aid, and CPR, leading to Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification. 

Biotechnology: Students study lab protocols and drug development, earning national certifications and working with the University of Georgia on research. 

Pharmacy Technology: Focuses on pharmaceutical calculations and operations, preparing students for ExCPT certification. 

A sixth pathway in mental health will launch next year. 

Real-World Results 

With about 600 students each semester, Empower’s healthcare program creates a steady pipeline of job-ready graduates. Many complete multiple certifications and enter the workforce immediately after high school. 

“That’s our goal,” said Department Chair Lisa Cauthen. “So that these students are eligible for employment right out of high school in a career they can stay in and grow in.” 

Students gain experience through clinical rotations at Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center, research internships at UGA, and partnerships with local providers. The program also emphasizes professionalism, preparing students for interviews and workplace success. 

Meeting Critical Workforce Needs 

Healthcare worker shortages nationwide make programs like Empower’s essential for community well-being. By providing certifications and practical experience, the program fills workforce gaps while offering students affordable, attainable career paths. 

“Some of our students have become phlebotomists and entered the field with no student debt,” said Cauthen. “Others use their certifications as steppingstones while pursuing additional education.” 

The collaborative approach extends beyond individual pathways. Students also participated in a comprehensive disaster drill simulation involving all five programs, with EMR students performing field triage while pharmacy students operated a mock pharmacy under the guidance of real emergency room staff and EMTs. 

A Message of Gratitude 

Students expressed appreciation for the opportunity. 

“I’m really grateful for this experience,” said Palmai. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime thing, and I’m so excited I got to learn trauma skills in this lab.” 

Benitez Torres added, “I’m grateful to have experienced this, and I believe it gave me a better understanding of what it means to work in a medical setting.” 

Through partnerships with organizations like HireSmart Cares, Empower is preparing students with the confidence and skills to thrive in healthcare careers. 

HireSmart Cares is a Georgia-based 501(c)(3) that provides time, tools, teaching, and technology to K–12 students so they graduate with skills and perspectives needed for meaningful careers without the burden of college debt. Educators with innovative approaches to preparing students for industry-relevant skills can apply for a HireSmart Cares grant at https://hiresmartcares.org/ideas-application/.