Passaic County Community College (PCCC) started the first in a series of programs to train unemployed individuals and selected incumbent entry-level workers, at no cost to the trainee, for high-demand jobs in the healthcare field.

The Passaic County Multi-Skilled Healthcare Worker Training Initiative (HCTI), funded by a $4.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, will give qualifying applicants the opportunity to gain the skills they need for employment in the healthcare industry, which is predicted to become the largest employer in the County over the next five years for skilled workers. The College is partnering in the initiative with St. Mary's Hospital in Passaic, St. Joseph's Medical Center in Paterson and Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pequannock, as well with other healthcare and job-training organizations in a dual effort to prepare for future job demand and to address the current unemployment rate in Passaic County, the highest in New Jersey.

HCTI will offer six job training modules: Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy, Electronic Medical Records, Medical Coding, Supervisory/Front Line Management, and Customer Service Training. Individuals may train in more than one module and, where applicable, can obtain either a certificate or preparation for certification exams. Students who complete multiple modules may also earn up to 15 credits to be applied toward a college degree.

Classes will be taught by PCCC instructors and offered at either one of the College’s four campuses or at the worksite of participating organizations. 

To qualify, individuals must be unemployed or be employed in an entry-level position with one of the partner organizations. A high school diploma or GED is required, applicants must take the College’s placement test and criminal background check is required. Passaic County residents will be given first priority. Although the training is provided at no cost to the students, some trainees may need to apply for financial aid for certain programs.

PCCC is one of only 55 training programs across the country to receive the prestigious three-year grant, This program is funded by a U.S. Department of Labor HGEI Grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Passaic County Community College provides Equal Opportunity in Education and Employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.