New Training Center Opens To Curve Medical Staffing Shortages

BRANDON, FL — A new beacon of hope now shines in the Tampa Bay area as Suncoast Community Health Centers unveils its latest initiative to combat the pressing shortage of health care professionals.

Recognizing the critical need for dental assistants, medical assistants, and pharmacy technicians, Suncoast Community Health Centers took a pioneering step by becoming one of the first nonprofit community health providers in Florida to establish its own training center, the Suncoast Career Academy.

The newly opened Suncoast Career Academy offers high school graduates and individuals of all ages a fresh opportunity to embark on a career in the medical profession within Hillsborough County.

Bradley Herremans, CEO of Suncoast Community Health Centers, expressed the organization's commitment to providing top-notch care to the community. "We have a passion for providing the best care to our community, so when we couldn’t find enough health care workers, we rolled up our sleeves and took action," said Herremans. "We were thrilled to be one of the first community health centers in Florida to open a workforce training center. Our mission is to train the best workers and keep them here, ensuring people in Tampa Bay receive the highest quality care."

In response to the shortage of medical and dental assistants, as well as pharmacy technicians, in 2018, Suncoast Community Health Centers designed and implemented an on-site medical program to educate and train students. The goal was to not only address immediate staffing needs but also retain graduates to join the ranks of Suncoast Community Health Centers. The success of this program led to the grand opening of the Suncoast Career Academy's state-of-the-art workforce training center located at 223 Morrison Road in Brandon on April 18.

A Proactive Response to Health Care Staffing Shortages

Suncoast Community Health Center's initiative to open its own workforce training center marks a proactive step in addressing the growing health care crisis in Tampa Bay and Florida. Rep. Danny Alvarez praised the effort, stating, "This is the type of innovation that we need to tackle Tampa Bay and Florida’s growing health care crisis." He emphasized the importance of investing in high-quality training centers like the Suncoast Career Academy to effectively address staffing shortages.

The Suncoast Career Academy specializes in training new medical and dental assistants and pharmacy technicians. Recent statistics indicate a significant demand for these roles. As of November 2023, 36% of private dental practices reported actively recruiting dental assistants. Additionally, Florida is projected to need 9,300 new medical assistants by 2030, with a growth rate of 30%. A 2021 survey by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists found Pharmacy Technician shortages as high as 40% in some states.

Alondra Gaspar Aguilar, a 2020 graduate of the Suncoast Career Academy and lead Dental Assistant at Suncoast Community Health Centers, shared her experience. "I’m a grateful DACA recipient who recently graduated from Suncoast Career Academy. The academy's cost-effective courses allowed me to swiftly enter the medical field," said Gaspar Aguilar. "I’m now able to apply my training at the clinic and serve as a role model to other students."

Nila Patel, Pharmacist and Pharmacy Technician Instructor at Suncoast Career Academy, highlighted the program's inclusivity. "We get students from all walks of life. Our programs are designed to help everyone, from recent high school graduates to those wanting a career change, make a successful entrance into the ever-growing medical field," said Patel.

To attract talent, graduates who secure employment with Suncoast Community Health Centers for three years are eligible to have their tuition expenses reimbursed. Suncoast Career Academy is currently accepting new students, with application information available at suncoastcareeracademy.com.

Serving the Tampa Bay Community Since 1977

Since its establishment in 1977, Suncoast Community Health Centers has been a cornerstone of the Tampa Bay community, expanding its reach into Southern and Eastern Hillsborough County. With eight locations and three mobile units, the organization has provided more than 235,000 patient visits in 2023 alone, employing 492 dedicated professionals.

The Suncoast Career Academy, launched in 2018, has seen remarkable success, with 210 students graduating from its programs. Notably, 54 of these graduates have been hired by Suncoast Community Health Centers, contributing to the local workforce and improving access to essential health care services.