H.E.A.R.T Academy Opens Healthcare Career Door
Like most Louisiana girls, Marsharae Cage knows that her mom’s words come from the heart. When her mother suggested a career in the mortuary business or healthcare field for lifetime security, Cage paid attention and chose a career in nursing that is going on 18 years.
Cage holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Louisiana – Lafayette and is the founder and CEO of the H.E.A.R.T (Healthcare Education and Resource Training) Academy.
The H.E.A.R.T. Academy provides fast-tracked, healthcare specific education for entry-level healthcare positions with courses in Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), Phlebotomy, and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). The H.E.A.R.T Academy is approaching its second year of operation, preparing diverse individuals to fill positions that are in high demand in the healthcare field.
From the time she was a young girl growing up in Baton Rouge, she dreamed about a career in business, about working for herself, about being an entrepreneur. “A business career has always held an appeal to me,” she states. Recognizing the need and finding the opportunity to combine business interest and healthcare experience, she took a leap of faith. “I found the Shell LiveWIRE Business Entrepreneurship Program on Google and applied immediately,” she says.
She still maintains a full-time nursing career working night shifts as the road to entrepreneurship and success is not easy or stable. Although Cage knew she was a novice in the business world she was savvy enough to research programs that could help build her school.
Shell LiveWIRE gave us practical steps in a digestible format via weekly training from experts in respective fields to assist with things such as marketing, finances, and operations.
Marsharae Cage, founder and CEO of the H.E.A.R.T Academy
Cage is one of 25 in the first Shell LiveWIRE Louisiana Accelerator program.
“The Shell LiveWIRE Accelerator program is a free business accelerator program to help entrepreneurs and small business owners sustain and grow,” explains Becky Cooper, US Social Investment Advisor. Cooper went on to say, “The Accelerator’s objective is to empower businesses from various fields and welcomes applicants from diverse sectors. A wide range of businesses can lead to a more vibrant and thriving community, offering residents a variety of goods and services. By extending the program to different sectors, you promote community development that fosters an environment that allows entrepreneurship to thrive.”
“[Shell] LiveWIRE gave us practical steps in a digestible format via weekly training from experts in respective fields to assist with things such as marketing, finances, and operations,” Cage says. “I personally employed the information I learned to become ‘bank ready’ so that I have access to business capital to assist with the operations and marketing side of my business and have recently secured my first business loan.”
Explaining that she is implementing the skills she learned about budgeting, cash management, and marketing, Cage is scaling her business to the next level. “My goal is to be the gold-standard of entry-level healthcare education by training as many compassionate and qualified people as possible,” she emphasizes.
Growth within the healthcare field is projected to be huge over the next decade. Cage sees the current and growing demand for qualified staff in the healthcare field, as well as the need for healthcare education. Licensed by the Louisiana Board of Regents and approved by the Louisiana Department of Health, the H.E.A.R.T Academy offers both a day and night-time program focusing on applied and classroom learning. “Our course work includes hands-on experience essential to prepare students to be competent and competitive in today’s job market,” she says. “Our graduates prepare for entry-level positions in a variety of healthcare settings where they can make a positive impact on the lives of patients and their families.”
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Overview: Shell LiveWIRE Louisiana Accelerator Program
Get the support you need to strengthen your business and reach the next growth step. The Shell LiveWIRE Accelerator is a comprehensive business support program for entrepreneurs.