Washington County Career Center to Host Ribbon Cutting for New Health Professions Innovation Center (H-PIC)

The Washington County Career Center will host a ribbon cutting and open house to celebrate the opening of its newly renovated Health Professions Innovation Center (H-PIC) on Tuesday, April 21.

The event will begin at 3:00 PM with a welcome, followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony at 3:15 PM in partnership with the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce and the Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce. An open house and guided tours of the new facility will be available from 3:30 to 5:00 PM. The Career Center is located at 21750 State Route 676, Marietta, Ohio.

The H-PIC represents a significant investment in healthcare education and workforce development for the Mid-Ohio Valley. The project was made possible through $2.5 million in state grant funding, including Ohio’s Career Technical Education (CTE) Expansion and Equipment Grants. Additional funding support was provided through RAPIDS, Super RAPIDS, local foundations, and community partners.

The renovation includes the consolidation of all medical programs into one centralized, state-of-the-art facility, allowing for improved collaboration, efficiency, and access to shared lab spaces and equipment. Key features include a 16-bed clinical lab with flexible configuration, a new Practical Nursing classroom and lab, and enhanced opportunities for both high school and adult students to engage in hands-on training.

With healthcare workforce shortages continuing to impact communities across Ohio and the nation, the H-PIC is designed to expand training capacity and strengthen the pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals. The facility will support students entering healthcare careers at multiple levels, while also creating pathways for advancement into higher-level medical programs.

“This investment positions the Washington County Career Center to better serve both students and healthcare employers,” said Erica Chidester, Medical Programs Manager. “By expanding our training capabilities, we are helping to address critical workforce needs while providing students with meaningful, in-demand career opportunities.”

Community members, healthcare partners, legislative leaders, and the public are invited to attend the event. Light refreshments will be provided.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact rsvp@thecareercenter.net.