As demand for skilled healthcare workers increases, Stetson University is launching a new, affordable healthcare training program. The short-term, affordable training opportunity will provide interested, motivated individuals seeking a job in healthcare the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a job in allied health fields. Classes in the Pharmacy Technician and Veterinary Assistant programs will begin in September, and registration is now open.

“We take great pride in offering this training for the first time to provide access for local adults to affordable training that can lead to sustainable job opportunities in the healthcare industry. It’s estimated that 20 percent of new jobs through 2014 will be located in the medical industry, and the majority of these positions will be filled by individuals with four years or less of training,” said Emily Richardson, associate vice president for Boundless Learning at Stetson.

Through a partnership with Boston Reed, a national education provider, Stetson now provides healthcare training programs that prepare students for job opportunities in the growing allied health industry. Stetson will offer Boston Reed’s healthcare training programs in the areas of Pharmacy Technician (at the Stetson University Center at Celebration) and Veterinary Assistant (at the DeLand campus).

“We are pleased to partner with Stetson University to offer this high-demand, science-based curriculum for local residents seeking a career change or additional skill set for today’s fast-growing healthcare industry,” said Grant Wells, program manager of Boston Reed. “Boston Reed commits to offering a high-quality education option for schools that do not have immediate resources or expertise to offer this type of coursework. All courses are taught by seasoned experts including doctors, nurses and pharmacists.”

As part of its partnership model, Boston Reed provides all materials, instructors and helps place students in externships upon completion of classroom instruction. Upon completion of the partnership program, many students are immediately eligible for employment and often pursue higher education, working toward nursing or other healthcare pathways. Program fees are approximately $2,995 for Pharmacy Technician and $1,199 for Veterinary Assistant and include textbooks, classroom materials, externships and certificates of completion.

The Pharmacy Technician program will run Sept. 11 through Feb. 14, 2013, at the Stetson University Center at Celebration, 800 Celebration Ave., Suite 104, Celebration, Fla. The Veterinary Assistant program will run Sept. 15 through Oct. 20 at the DeLand campus, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, Fla. Course registration is open and interested attendees can learn more and register at www.bostonreed.com.

About Boston Reed

Boston Reed has provided healthcare career training programs through public and private training partnerships, educating more than 75,000 students in the past 20 years. The company offers training and certification preparation in the pharmacy technician, clinical medial assistant, phlebotomy technician, electronic health record systems technologist fields and more. Boston Reed employs over 1,200 healthcare professionals to teach its programs. In addition to classroom instruction, the company has relationships with more than 6,000 hospitals, medical offices, pharmacies and other healthcare organizations to help graduates find externship opportunities. For more information, visit www.bostonreed.com.