Our Black History Month Coverage continues as we look at a health care training center in Albany.

It all started in her kitchen. Laquetta Alexander-Ellis saw there was a need in hospitals.

So, she took it upon herself to fill the void – creating Practice 2 Perfect Training Center.

And today she’s marking four years of success for herself and her students.

Alexander-Ellis said her training center is the first Black-owned center of its kind and offers a number of programs.

The EKG technician program provides students with the opportunity to study electrocardiograms. You can get certified in just 6 weeks.

There is also the program to train people to become phlebotomists, who draw blood for tests, transfusions, research or blood donations.

Students can get their national certification in 4 weeks. There are a handful of other programs including CPR, First Aid and AED training – with same-day certification.

“Back then, my goal was to get people certified and hit that workforce – as we needed more health care workers. Now, it’s the same mission but a little different. I’m affiliated with multiple organizations, so not only do I assist with getting them certified, I also assist with employment,” she said.

“So, once they’re done with me, I help them update their resumes. I help them apply for jobs to get them out in the workforce as well,” she said.

Practice 2 Perfect recently started teaching inmates at the Schenectady County Jail. Students at the jail will also be ready to hit the workforce upon release.

MORE: Practice 2 Perfect Training Center