A career today may look very different than it did a generation ago, or even just a few years ago.

A healthcare professional may now use AI to support patient care, a technician may diagnose equipment issues using digital scanning tools to supplement manual troubleshooting or a commercial driver may use GPS navigation and electronic safety systems that were traditionally not part of the role.

As industries across Northeast Pennsylvania continue to change, more adults are seeking opportunities to build practical skills and pursue careers that align with today’s workforce needs.

For many adult learners, returning to school is about more than earning a credential. It is about staying competitive in a changing workforce, moving into the next stage of their careers and building the confidence needed to pursue new opportunities.

Career-focused education provides a pathway for individuals to gain hands-on experience while helping employers meet the demand for qualified professionals.

The need for skilled workers continues to grow, and according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in healthcare occupations is projected to increase faster than average for all occupations through 2034, with approximately 1.9 million employment openings expected each year due to industry growth and the need to replace workers who leave the field.

Fortis Institute in Scranton offers programs in practical nursing, medical assisting, dental assisting, dental hygiene, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R), and commercial truck driving.

Students receive career-focused training for industry-relevant skills needed to help meet this demand. Through a blended learning approach combining classroom instruction led by experienced instructorswith hands-on labs, clinical experiences and externships, students build technical knowledge and skills they can apply in their chosen fields.

Since opening its doors in 1986, the Scranton campus has trained more than 8,890 graduates, including those from the Forty Fort campus, which consolidated into Scranton in July 2024. Together, they have helped prepare individuals for careers that support communities throughout Northeast Pennsylvania.

For students pursuing healthcare careers, hands-on training is an essential part of preparing for the workforce. Practical nursing, medical assisting and dental programs allow students to develop clinical skills and gain experience working directly with patients. Fortis students also apply their training through community outreach initiatives, such as “Give Kids A Smile,” where dental hygiene students gain real-world experience by providing preventive dental care and oral health education to local children while strengthening their skills in patient care and community engagement.

Skilled trade careers are also evolving alongside new technology and changing industry needs. HVAC-Rtechnicians are working with increasingly complex systems, and trained professionals are needed to install, maintain and repair equipment in residential, commercial and industrial settings. Employment ofHVAC-R mechanics and installers is projected to grow 8% by 2034, with more than 40,000 job openings expected each year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Beyond technical training, Fortis Institute supports students with career development resources as they prepare to enter the workforce. The campus’ Career Services team works closely with students throughout their time at Fortis to provide interview preparation, employment guidance and connections with potential employers.

As Northeast Pennsylvania continues to adapt to changing workforce demands, adult education will remain an important part of preparing individuals for meaningful careers while supporting regional economic growth. For adults considering a career change or looking to build new skills, returning to school can provide the foundation needed to pursue new opportunities.

For more information about career training opportunities at Fortis Institute in Scranton, visit the campus, call, or visit the website. Enrollment is available on a rolling basis. Visit the campus at 517 Ash Street, Scranton, PA 18509, call (570) 558-1818 or visit fortis.edu/campuses/pennsylvania/scranton.html.