PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announces the addition of three grant-funded courses in the healthcare arena: Medical Interpreter Training, Community Health Worker and Phlebotomy Technician. 

 

Spaces are limited but still available for all three courses, which are tuition-free. 

 

"We are thrilled to offer to the community these grant-funded programs, which will help fill the workforce gap in Berkshire County," said Tiffany Moreno, Instructional Program Manager: Health & Wellness. "The programs, which can be completed in one year or less, will provide the skills required for immediate entry into high-demand jobs." 

 

The free courses are: 

 

Medical Interpreter Training: January 19-April 27, 2023, Thursdays 6-9 pm and Saturdays 8:30-11:30 am.

A medical interpreter is someone who can break language barriers by using their linguistic skills to provide medical interpreting services to patients and medical professionals. This program provides hybrid (classroom and online) instruction. Participants build on interpreting skills, acquire knowledge specific to anatomy and psychology, develop terminology focused on the human body and more. Students must be fluent in both English and a second language. 

 

Community Health Worker, February 2-May 18, 2023, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-9 pm.

The Community Health Worker program provides training for public health workers to serve as advocates and liaisons between traditionally underserved populations and health/social service providers. This program benefits anyone interested in exploring

educational and career pathways in community health, human services, healthcare or public health. 

 

Phlebotomy Technician, February 7-May 2, 2023, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-9 pm.

A phlebotomist is a medical professional who is trained to collect blood from both children and adults. They perform and prepare blood for testing so that it may be analyzed in a medical laboratory. This program provides hybrid (classroom and online) instruction. Instructors will discuss real life scenarios and provide the tools needed for success in the field.