Leaundra McCullough had never heard of medical coding before she entered a new program at Hopeworks ‘N Camden, a nonprofit that trains young city residents for tech jobs.
With the launch of the Cooper Health Careers Initiative, announced at the hospital Tuesday, McCullough will have more than a new skill: Upon completion of the program, she’s guaranteed a well-paying job at Cooper, one that has potential for advancement at the hospital or elsewhere in the healthcare industry.
The program, a joint effort with Cooper, Hopeworks, Camden County College, Camden County Technical School and the Camden County Workforce Development Board, offers students free training for careers in medical coding, a skill that, according to Cooper CEO Adrienne Kirby, is in demand at Cooper and throughout the region.