Trocaire College and the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT) are pairing up in 2019 to offer free training in phlebotomy and sterile processing and distribution (SPD) to Buffalo-area residents.
The free classes are being offered next fall and are funded through a grant from the New York State Regional Economic Development Council.
The program allows for one cohort each of phlebotomy and SPD to take place on the BCAT campus in downtown Buffalo. The cost of course tuition will be covered in full for participating students, as will books, supplies and public transit passes. Corporate partner Catholic Health will interview students who successfully complete the training and consider them for employment.
The grant specifically targets “unemployed or underemployed workers, with an emphasis on individuals with barriers to employment and veterans,” with the goal of offering occupational skills training that will qualify participants to attain employment or a higher level of employment in available local positions.
According to the New York State Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment projections for phlebotomists and medical equipment preparers through 2026 are very favorable and favorable, respectively. The entry-level annual salary for both is about $30,000, with the average salary falling at about $40,000.
“We are thrilled to be able to team up with BCAT and offer this training opportunity to Buffalo residents,” said Mollie Ballaro, Trocaire’s dean of admissions and workforce development. “Both phlebotomy and SPD are entry points into Western New York’s booming healthcare industry—they offer careers with salaries that exceed Buffalo’s median household income, and also act as the first step into related fields such as nursing, surgical technology and many others.”
“BCAT looks forward to expanding opportunities for our community, and we are pleased to partner with Trocaire to bring these courses into our facility on Main Street,” said Gina Burkhardt, president and CEO at BCAT. In addition to providing the physical classroom space for the courses, BCAT will recruit students and deliver wraparound supports such as life skills coaching and individual tutoring.
Trocaire will provide instructors, marketing and course materials and curriculum.
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