Medical Education Partnership to Bring Healthcare Career Pipeline to Butler

BUTLER, PA, January 20, 2026 … Butler Area School District, Butler County Community College, and Independence Health System today announced their partnership to launch the Healthcare Pathways Career Readiness Program — a collaborative initiative designed to address critical workforce shortages across Butler County and the surrounding region while giving students the opportunity to experience careers in healthcare. The program responds to growing demand for qualified healthcare workers in high-need roles such as nursing assistants, medical assistants, EMTs, laboratory technicians, patient support staff, and essential hospital operations positions. 

Healthcare Pathways establishes a structured school-to-work pre-apprenticeship that introduces students to a wide range of clinical, administrative, and support careers through coordinated classroom instruction, hands-on training, job shadowing, mentorship, and work-based learning experiences. Students will have opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials, college credit through Butler County Community College, and direct pathways into employment or registered apprenticeship programs. 

“The Healthcare Pathways Career Readiness Program will provide our students with meaningful, real-world exposure to in-demand healthcare careers while they are still in school. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and work-based learning, students will gain a clearer understanding of career options and the skills needed to be successful in the workforce," said Dr. Brian White, Superintendent of Butler Area School District. "We're grateful for this partnership with Independence Health System and Butler County Community College that allows us to prepare students not only for graduation, but for long-term career success right here in our community.”   

Through this employer- and education-aligned partnership, the program builds a sustainable local talent pipeline, supports stackable credentials and long-term career advancement, and expands equitable access to high-demand healthcare careers for Butler County students. 

“Independence Health System is delighted to be a part of bringing the Healthcare Pathways Career Readiness Program to the Butler Area with the goal of blending classroom theory with hands-on learning for meaningful and successful careers in healthcare,” said Matthew Schnur, President, Butler Memorial and Clarion Hospitals, Independence Health System. “We’re thankful to work with the collaborative institutions of Butler Area School District and Butler County Community College who are committed to educating and offering career pathways to our region. Butler residents can get an education and a career right here.” 

“It is an honor to partner with Butler Area School District and Independence Health System on this important initiative. This partnership brings together the strengths of our three organizations to create clear, meaningful pathways for students,” said Megan Coval, President, Butler County Community College. “Together, we are helping students explore in-demand healthcare careers that offer not only a living wage, but purpose, stability, and the opportunity to do work they truly enjoy, right here in our community.” 

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About Butler Area School District 

Butler Area School District is located in southwestern Pennsylvania, approximately 42 miles north of Pittsburgh in Butler County. The district serves about 6,100 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across 150 square miles. Butler Area School District includes seven elementary schools serving grades K–5, one intermediate high school for grades 6–8, one senior high school for grades 9–12, and Center Avenue Community School. The district is committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities that prepare students for success in college, careers, and life.   

About Butler County Community College 

Butler County Community College is the community’s college, serving learners at every stage of life through credit and noncredit programs, workforce training and community partnerships. BC3 provides multiple pathways to careers, transfer and lifelong learning. 

Committed to access, affordability and student success, BC3 serves Butler, Armstrong, Lawrence and Jefferson counties and beyond through in-person, online and hybrid learning. With affordable tuition, robust financial aid and scholarships, the majority of BC3 students graduate debt-free. For 60 years, BC3 has played a vital role in strengthening individuals, families, employers and communities. Learn more at bc3.edu. 

About Independence Health System 

Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 7,000 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning a multi-county region.  

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health.