Trocaire College and Gerard Place partner to offer healthcare training courses

Applications now being accepted for programs in phlebotomy, sterile processing, and pharmacy technician

For the first time, Trocaire College and Gerard Place are partnering to offer courses geared towards future career opportunities in healthcare. Beginning this summer, programs in phlebotomy, sterile processing and pharmacy technician will be held at Gerard Place located at 2535 Bailey Ave., Buffalo. Each of these three certificate programs can be completed in as little as three months.

“Gerard Place is very pleased to be partnering with Trocaire College to offer our community wonderful opportunities for careers in the health care field,” said David Zapfel, president and CEO, Gerard Place. “We look forward to expanding our collaboration so that everyone can participate and move forward with good paying jobs in healthcare.”

Beginning July 12, and running Tuesdays and Thursdays through Sept. 13, the phlebotomy program includes in-person lectures, a three-week clinical placement, and soft-skills work readiness training with one-on-one mentoring and job coaching provided by Gerard Place.

The sterile processing program prepares students to develop skills necessary to properly disinfect, prepare, process, store, and issue both sterile and non-sterile medical/surgical supplies and equipment for direct patient care and clinical use. This course begins Aug. 30 and runs Mondays and Wednesdays through Nov. 21.

The pharmacy technician program begins Sept. 27 and is held Tuesdays and Thursdays through Dec. 15. The 12-week program prepares pharmacy techs in working under the direction of a pharmacist to measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications based on the prescription orders as well as provide customer service.

“Partnering with Gerard Place is part of Trocaire’s workforce development strategy to help connect people with the resources and training needed for a new career pathway,” said Dr. Gary Smith, vice president, innovation and advancement, Trocaire College. “The needed training for entry-level positions in phlebotomy, sterile processing, and pharmacy tech each take just a few months to complete. In addition, while each of these are rewarding career fields on their own, each can also be a steppingstone to more opportunities within the growing healthcare industry.”

Gerard Place strengthens the community as it empowers individuals and families toward self-sufficiency by providing housing, supportive services, community education and outreach. By taking a human-centered approach, Gerard Place empowers those in need by providing the tools, support and safe haven needed on a journey to achieve life goals. For more information, visit gerardplace.org.

Applications for these three programs are free and being accepted now. For more information or to apply for Trocaire’s phlebotomy, sterile processing, or pharmacy tech programs held at Gerard Place, visit trocaire.edu/wd.