Since Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake opened the doors of its Excel Center adult high school program in Baltimore, it has realized tremendous success. With all available seats filled and a waiting list in place, there is a strong demand among Baltimorians to take advantage of the tuition-free offering and graduate from high school. However, our students’ journeys don’t end at graduation. Many face the daunting reality that pursuing higher education, particularly college, comes with significant financial barriers.
In response to this challenge, Goodwill, in partnership with Baltimore City Community College, offers Pharmacy Tech and CNA/GNA programs free of charge, paving the way for individuals to embark on new career paths without the burden of student debt. The programs, while not part of the Excel Center, offer great opportunities for graduates interested in pursuing careers in the health sciences.
Pharmacy Technician Program
With comprehensive training in pharmaceutical care, Goodwill’s Pharmacy Technician program offers an opportunity for graduated Baltimore Excel Center students who are interested in changing careers or exploring the healthcare field. Students learn vital skills on how to support pharmacists in dispensing medications, managing inventory, and delivering high levels of customer service. Additionally, the program provides insights into pharmacology, dosage forms, and medication safety protocols, equipping students with a solid foundation for success in various healthcare settings.
Sima Patel, a current pharmacy technician student, views the program as a gateway to a fresh career path. “This is a good chance to make a new career,” she said. “If I succeed, I’ll get a better job.”
Upon completion of the program, graduates can pursue careers in retail pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings.
Certified Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Nursing Assistant (CNA/GNA) Program
The CNA/GNA program offered by the Goodwill Excel Center focuses on training caregivers who provide essential support to patients in various healthcare facilities. Students learn fundamental nursing skills, including assisting with activities of daily living, measuring vital signs, and providing emotional support to patients and their families.
Daunessy Penn, a current CNA/GNA said the program represents an opportunity for growth and advancement in a career field that is in demand. The program offers diversity in areas of specialization and that, coupled with the support through Goodwill, made it a perfect fit for her goals.
“’I wanted to create a little bit more of a stable future for myself to be able to invest better in my dreams,” she said. “Goodwill covers everything. They offer so many different options, and it’s all for free.'”
Once a student completes the program, graduates will be eligible to take state certification exams to become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and/or Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNAs).
The impact of these programs extends beyond immediate employment opportunities. By providing tuition-free training in high-demand healthcare fields, Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake and the Excel Center enable individuals to embark on rewarding career paths without financial burdens. Graduates of these programs not only enter the workforce with valuable skills and certifications but also have the opportunity to pursue further education and specialization in their respective fields.
