Workforce Development

Briya’s workforce development programs provide college and career readiness training in the early childhood and medical fields. Many students enter these programs after advancing through the levels of Briya’s Two-Generation Program, while for others workforce development is their first experience at Briya. Through these two certification programs, along with the opportunity to earn a high school diploma, Briya sets families on career pathways to economic independence and stability.

Briya graduate on stage during graduation ceremony, other students look to her as she raises her hand and holds her diploma

Medical Assistant Program

Students graduate from Briya’s 12-15 month program prepared for careers as Registered Medical Assistants, who work alongside doctors and nurses in medical offices, clinics and hospitals.

Throughout Briya’s course, students gain hands-on practice with clinical lab skills such as drawing blood, giving injections and taking blood pressure. They also gain proficiency in administrative skills, including updating patient records and coding insurance forms.

Briya offers the Medical Assistant Program in collaboration with our longtime partner, Mary’s Center, thereby providing students embedded learning opportunities with Mary’s Center nursing and medical assistant staff. Students also complete a 160-hour externship in a local clinic, hospital or doctor’s office. The course concludes with summer test-prep sessions that equip students to pass the nationally recognized Registered Medical Assistant exam.

Course Details:

Schedule: The program requires a commitment of at least 20 hours per week for 12-15 months.

Location: Classes will take place at Briya’s Fort Totten campus, 100 Gallatin Street NE.

Requirements: To qualify, students must be DC residents, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and display their proficiency in English reading and math by passing entrance exams, and be up-to-date on COVID vaccinations.

If interested, call 202-232-7777 or complete this form.

Child Development Associate Program

Briya’s tuition-free Child Development Associate Program equips students to provide high-quality care and education as early childhood teachers, home visitors or directors of licensed childcare homes or centers.

Students begin by learning the foundational theories of child development, including indicators of healthy physical, cognitive, linguistic and social-emotional development. Students put these theories to practice by working with children in a licensed childcare center or school during the course’s 480-hour practicum. They also gain CPR/First Aid certification and create a professional portfolio.

After completing course requirements, students are assessed by the Council for Professional Recognition to receive their national Child Development Associate credential.

Course Details:

Schedule: The program runs from September through June (includes coursework, career readiness workshops, and practicum) and requires a time commitment of at least 20 hours per week.

Location: Afternoon classes will take place at Briya’s Adams Morgan campus, 1707 Kalorama Road NW. Evening classes will take place at Briya’s Fort Totten location, 100 Gallatin St NE.

Language: The program is offered in English and Spanish

Requirements: To qualify, students must be at least 18 years old, be DC residents, pass entrance exams, and be up-to-date on COVID vaccinations.

If interested, call 202-232-7777 or complete this form.

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