The financial benefit of post-secondary education is apparent. According to the Social Security Administration:
“Regression estimates show that men with bachelor’s degrees would earn $655,000 more in median lifetime earnings than high school graduates. Women with a bachelor’s degree would earn $450,000 more in median lifetime earnings than high school graduates.”
However, to earn a bachelor’s degree, one must extend time and money towards their education. This is a luxury many adults don’t have due to family commitments and/or economic struggles.
At Academy of Hope (AoH), we make it easier to overcome these roadblocks by offering District of Columbia residents FREE workforce training that matches in-demand career fields. These programs take about five months to a year to complete, depending on the program and learner pace, and can help learners find pathways towards economic mobility by earning credentials in higher-paying jobs.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
The Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Training program offered by AoH spans 5 months and consists of 200 hours of combined classroom instruction and practical lab sessions. Following the completion of these components, students will undertake 40 hours of clinical training at one of our affiliated healthcare partner sites. Upon finishing their clinical hours, students will be eligible to take the National Nursing Assistant Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam to obtain licensure as nursing aides in DC.
Upon successful completion of the program and licensure, AoH is committed to assisting graduates in securing employment opportunities across various healthcare settings and facilities. Additionally, we provide support for those who wish to further their education, whether it be pursuing a career as a registered nurse or exploring other healthcare professions.
Phlebotomy Technician Training (PTT)
AoH’s Phlebotomy Technician Training (PTT) program is a 5-month course with 200 hours of classroom instruction and lab practice. It equips students with the skills to perform blood-drawing procedures, patient care, and equipment maintenance under the guidance of a licensed instructor. After completing theory, skills, and clinical requirements, students can take the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) exam to become Phlebotomy Technicians (CPT). AoH also assists graduates with employment opportunities in various healthcare settings.
Medical Billing & Coding
AoH’s Medical Billing and Coding Training Program equips learners with the skills to accurately code medical diagnoses, procedures, and services, ensuring proper reimbursement and compliance with healthcare regulations.
Through training in medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, healthcare documentation, and coding systems (ICD, CPT, HCPCS), learners gain the expertise needed for careers in medical billing, coding, and health information management across hospitals, clinics, and remote settings. Graduates are eligible to take the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), validating their readiness for industry employment.
IT Pathways
AoH’s Information Technology (IT) programs offer stackable credentialing for learners interested in beginning, as well as advancing in, the IT Industry. Although the pathway is designed to take learners from ITF to CompTIA Security+ if desired, our pathway is also designed to have flexible entry and exit points to meet the needs of individual learners. During the IT program, learners will be involved in hands-on internships to gain valuable experience in the IT field. Upon successful completion and certification, AoH assists learners with careers in tech support, IT Operational roles, and more.
Project Management Program
The Project Management program equips participants with essential skills required to lead teams across various industries including IT, Healthcare, Construction, Manufacturing, and others. This comprehensive program offers students the chance to grasp the fundamentals of project management, covering aspects such as planning, execution, control, and project completion. Through this course, individuals learn techniques to streamline processes, foster collaboration, and inspire project teams. Upon successful completion, participants are eligible to take the Certified Associate in Project Management Certification (CAPM) exam and gain access to entry-level positions in project management.
Conclusion
All Academy of Hope programs are offered during the day and evening, and provide the resources needed to complete coursework. There is no limit to the number of training one can complete.
Earning a certificate in one of the following programs allows learners to prepare for a higher-paying career in their desired field. It can also serve as a prerequisite for post-secondary education if the learner feels ready or can afford to advance, due to the help of their credentials.
Ready to kickstart your career? Click HERE to enroll today.