Freedom House Foundations

Thank you for your interest in the Freedom House Foundations program. Students interested in participating in the program should complete the online application. Your application will be reviewed by the Freedom House staff and selected applicants will be contacted by phone to schedule an interview. Students accepted into the program will be required to enroll with PA CareerLink which will include identity and income verification.

Program requirements:

  • Have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Live within Allegheny County.
  • Be legally eligible for employment in the United States.

Program information:

Freedom House Foundations is a 6-week-long course that will provide you an introduction to a career as a Patient Care Technician. Our curriculum consists of communications skills, basic medical knowledge, using technology in a healthcare setting, and training in a variety of skills which the PCT performs on the job.  Along with class lectures and lab activities you will also be given the opportunity to shadow Patient Care Technicians and other medical positions upon request. In addition to class lecture and lab activities you will also be given workforce development training such as professional communication, resume assistance, application assistance, and mock interviewing. 

This program is named after the Freedom House Ambulance Service formed in Pittsburgh's Hill District in the 1960's: a program that paved the way for both educating underserved populations and for the development of our modern-day EMS system. That being said, this program is not an EMT training program. This program is sponsored by Partners4Work, PA CareerLink, and the UPMC Health Plan. Freedom House Foundations is a Patient Care Technician program partnered with American Allied Health. 

Program schedule:

This six-week course runs Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Course dates and locations:

Please see the online application for the most up-to-date list of current course dates and locations.

Career paths:

By the end of this course you will be able to apply as a patient care technician. Additional career opportunities are any entry level allied health positions such as a medical assistant. You will also have a great starting point if you are interested in a nursing career path.  

Additional resources:

  • You will receive a bus pass or gas card to cover your transportation expenses.
  • All materials necessary for course completion will be provided.
  • Students in our program have access to LifeSolutions, an assistance program that can help with any social, financial, medical, or other barriers you may face that might make attending class difficult.
  • Program support in obtaining childcare may be available on a case-by-case basis depending on cohort location.

Health and safety information:

Masking and/or proof of COVID-19 vaccination may be required at certain times throughout the program. Unvaccinated students may have limited observational or job shadowing opportunities.

If you would like more information or have questions before applying, please contact FreedomHouse@upmc.edu.