Helms College is expanding its program offerings in Middle Georgia with the launch of the School of Health Services at the Macon Eisenhower Parkway campus. Enrollment is now open for the inaugural healthcare cohort beginning this April.

The new school launches the Multi-Skilled Medical Assistant diploma program in Macon, offering a direct path into a high-demand career. The program is already offered at Helms College’s Augusta campus and is now expanding to serve students in Middle Georgia. It aims to produce trained professionals for workforce needs in physicians’ offices, clinics, and hospitals across the region.

Healthcare providers across the region continue to face staffing shortages in critical support roles that directly impact patient care and clinic efficiency. By expanding healthcare education locally, Helms College is strengthening the pipeline of job-ready professionals entering the Middle Georgia healthcare system.

“Helms College was founded to carry forward the hand-up vision of Reverend Edgar J. Helms, who believed that all people deserve an opportunity to develop their God-given gifts,” said James Stiff, President of Goodwill of Middle Georgia and Helms College. “For the past 19 years, Helms College has helped more than 2,000 individuals prepare for meaningful career pathways. Opening the School of Health Services in Macon continues that work by preparing students for stable careers while supporting the healthcare systems our neighbors rely on every day.”

Kristine Furtaw, Senior Vice President of Education Operations, said the expansion directly responds to employer demand.

“Healthcare remains one of Georgia’s strongest growth sectors, and providers need professionals who are prepared to step confidently into clinical environments,” Furtaw said. “Our School of Health Services delivers hands-on, supportive training that equips students with both the technical skills and professionalism to succeed from day one.”

Local healthcare leaders say the partnership will help address ongoing workforce needs.

“Medical assistants play a vital role in patient care and daily operations,” said Dr. Sanford G. Duke, physician executive lead at Atrium Health and a Goodwill board member. “Having a local training partner like Helms College strengthens the healthcare talent pipeline in Middle Georgia and helps ensure we can hire well-prepared professionals close to home.”

The School of Health Services joins the Polly Long Denton School of Hospitality and the School of Trades program at the Macon campus, further aligning education with high-demand, middle-skill occupations critical to the region’s long-term economic growth.

The expansion is supported through Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia’s $20 million comprehensive campaign to strengthen and grow Helms College programs across Macon, Augusta, and surrounding communities.

Enrollment for the inaugural Macon healthcare cohort is now underway. Classes begin April 14, 2026. Individuals interested in beginning a career in healthcare can visit www.helms.edu, call 1-844-GO-HELMS or 478-471-4834, or email [email protected] to connect with an admissions representative.