Suncoast Community Health Centers has recently opened the Suncoast Career Academy in Brandon, Florida to combat the shortage of healthcare staffing in the area. The non-profit organization is one of the first community health providers in Florida to have their own training center.
The academy offers programs for pharmacy technicians, medical assistants, and dental assistants. The goal is to provide well-trained and qualified support staff to strengthen the local healthcare community. Lead Dental Assistant Alondra Gaspar, a graduate aspiring to become a dental hygienist, expressed her gratitude for the new equipment available at the facility.
Students at the academy receive a comprehensive education that includes job search skills like resume writing and interview preparation. Research has shown that private dental practices and medical groups are struggling to recruit assistants, highlighting the need for well-trained professionals. Suncoast Career Academy is working to address this issue by offering hands-on training in a supportive environment. Enrollment is currently open for both the summer and fall semesters.