Testimonials
Hear what some of our students have to say about their experience here at Hope CAT!
Construction Trades Students
"I joined the construction trades program because I wanted to build a stable future for myself. This program gives me the chance to gain real skills, get a good-paying job, and continue my education—all without the burden of student debt. The fact that it’s free made it even more of a no-brainer."
- Connor Drake |
"What brought me to HopeCAT was the desire to have a trade under my belt--something I could use in the real world and perform confidently on my own.
I knew one of the biggest challenges would be getting back into book work, especially since I’ve been out of school for a long time--forever, it feels like! What I really appreciate about HopeCAT is the evening schedule. I’m able to work during the day and still attend class in the evenings. The shorter length of the course also made it easier for me to commit." - Robert Russell |
“I’ve been connected to HopeCAT since the beginning—my dad has worked here since it was founded, and I’ve been coming for pottery classes for years. I’ve also been studying carpentry at the Mercer County Career Center for the past two years, so when I heard HopeCAT was starting a carpentry class, I signed up right away—before they even had a teacher! I knew it was an opportunity I didn’t want to miss.”
- Casey Kuharik |
Emergency Medical Training Students
"As a certified lifeguard, I wanted to expand my skill set and take the next step toward a future in medicine. HopeCAT’s EMT program has given me the opportunity to apply what I’ve learned in class to real-world situations—even drawing on those skills during my time as a lifeguard. My advice to anyone considering the program is this: it’s absolutely worth the time and effort. Not only will you gain valuable experience, but the relationships you build here will stay with you well beyond graduation.”
- Bryce Searle |
"My journey into EMS began as an EMR in a volunteer service, which sparked my passion to go further. That experience led me to start EMT classes—and I’ve loved every step. For anyone considering HopeCAT’s EMT program, I’d say have compassion; this field requires heart as much as it does skill. During emergency situations, I stay focused by taking things one step at a time and relying on the foundational training we receive in class. After graduation, I’m most excited to work in the field and continue advancing both my skills and education.”
- Machella Lamont |
"The most rewarding part of my EMT training has been meeting so many people during ride times and getting to apply the skills I learned in class to assess and treat real patients. One piece of advice I’d give to anyone considering HopeCAT’s EMT program is to take advantage of as many ambulance ride-alongs as possible—they’re the best way to practice and reinforce what you’ve learned. One skill I didn’t expect to be so important is patience. In emergency situations, your instinct might be to rush, but it’s crucial to take the time to properly assess the scene and your patients in order to provide the best care possible.”
- Ethan Anderson |
"As a current firefighter, I was inspired to pursue a career as an EMT by both my EMS Chief and Fire Chief, who encouraged me to expand my skills. One moment that really boosted my confidence was during a cardiac arrest call, where another EMT student and I were able to assess the situation and contribute meaningfully to patient care. After graduation, I’m excited to take the National Registry exam, earn my Firefighter I certification, and begin working for a paid fire department and ambulance service.”
- Frank Devite |
"My inspiration to pursue a career as an EMT came from my experience as a volunteer firefighter. The most rewarding moment during my training so far was assisting a patient during a cardiac arrest, working alongside the EMS team. For anyone considering HopeCAT’s EMT program, my best advice is simple: study as much as possible. The more you know, the more confident and prepared you'll be in the field.”
- Aiden Carter |
Medical Assistant Students
"Three years ago, I had the honor of attending the HopeCAT medical assistant program. During my time there, I not only obtained new knowledge to carry forward in my new career, I also obtained the self-confidence to continue to push myself further into the healthcare field. I now work as a Patient Care Technician at UPMC Farrell in the emergency department. The education I received at HopeCAT has certainly given me a leg up in this new job. The emergency department is a fast-paced job where you have to think on your feet and, most importantly, work as a team. Along with the medical knowledge I learned in my MA program, I also learned the importance of teamwork and the ability to function and thrive in such a fast-paced environment.
All of this to say that, I never would have made it this far without HopeCAT. I never would have had the confidence to pursue a job in the ER if it weren’t for the amazing staff at HopeCAT cheering me on through my entire program and even after I graduated the program. I was also able to gain all of this without taking on any student loans. The next step for me is Jameson School of Nursing. I hope to join the program in 2026. Thank you to everyone at HopeCAT for being a strong support system and a guiding light on my journey.” - Kristen Broome |
"Working as a medical assistant in a cardiology office has given me experience and a deeper understanding of patient care, particularly for those with complex and chronic conditions involving the heart. My daily responsibilities include rooming patients, reviewing their medical histories, taking vital signs, especially monitoring patients blood pressure closely and going over their current medications. I also collaborate with the provider, discussing key patient information of their diagnosis and helping prepare for patients upcoming appointments, which has helped me understand how providers treat patients.
Working as a medical assistant and seeing the critical role nurses play in managing care, educating patients, and supporting treatment plans has inspired me to go back to school to become a Registered Nurse. My goal is to attend UPMC Jameson. By becoming a nurse, I will be able to expand my scope of practice, take on more responsibility in patient care, and see what nursing has to offer." - Julia Day |
"At HopeCAT I learned both administrative and clinical skills. Including medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, patient care, preparing me for the role as a medical assistant in a healthcare setting and so much more. My situation before attending HopeCat, I was lost, confused and hopeless. Lost on what to do with my life , confused on how I could afford education and hopeless in advancing my career in the medical field. Now I have motivation to wake up in the morning, a drive to want to do better for myself. HopeCAT has changed my life by teaching me responsibility, time management, discovery of my passions and developing new and improved skills. HopeCAT has also increased my chances of financial stability. HopeCAT has impacted my life by giving me a more fulfilling life. HopeCAT has helped me create growing lifelong friendships and develop important life skills on how to be job ready. Providing me with recourses and coaching on confidence, gaining experience, networking and building a portfolio to showcase my skills and accomplishments, opening the doors to career opportunities.”
- Levi Freeman |