Get into Workforce In Less Than a Year with MCC’s Health Programs

For those interested in working in health care, Middlesex Community College offers short-term programs that can be completed in less than 12 months. Theoretical knowledge combined with hands-on experiences provide the skills and training students need to succeed in an in-demand industry, such as Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting and Dental Laboratory Technology.

“Middlesex is a leader of providing our local health care industries with highly-skilled and trained graduates,” said Karen Townsend, MCC’s Dean of Health. “In a short period of time, students are equipped with the training and certifications they need to directly enter the workforce and be on their path to long-lasting careers with job and income stability.”

With MCC’s Medical Assisting program, students can work in hospital clinics, physician practices and specialty offices. The program teaches students to work with patients and medical records, communicate verbally and in writing, and assist the medical team among other valuable skills. MCC’s eight-month program requires basic computer skills in order to start.

“Becoming a medical assistant is a good career choice because it is an in-demand career with many opportunities,” said Claudia Guillen, MCC’s Program Coordinator of Medical Assisting. “The demand for medical assistants is expected to increase by 18.9 percent between 2020 and 2030, which is faster than average compared to other occupations.”

For those interested in working in a dental field in less than a year’s time, Middlesex offers the Dental Assisting and Dental Lab Tech programs.

In MCC’s Dental Assisting certificate and associate degree programs, students learn the knowledge and skills they need to assist at chairside in a dental office. Students benefit from hands-on experience working in the newly renovated, state-of-the-art clinic, as well as at externships at local practices. Graduates are well-prepared to pass their exams and start work.

“Dental Assistants are always in-demand, even during an economic recession as dentists cannot work without their assistants,” Mary Jenny said. “We work closely with the dental community. That is how every year almost all of our students each get three to four job offers even before they graduate as we have over 60 affiliated dental clinics for externships.”

Dental Lab Techs work in dental laboratories, schools, offices and in their own businesses to fabricate dental prosthetics for patients to improve functions such as chewing and speaking. In hands-on labs, students practice general skills they will be performing in the workforce. Students also learn the anatomy and function of a cavity, as well as the use and properties of materials used in labs.

“Dental laboratory technicians have an important role as members of the dental team,” said Apollon Bouzerdan, MCC’s Program Coordinator of Dental Lab Tech. “This is a rewarding career in terms of providing a valuable service, as well as earning potential, and the career paths are numerous in this field.”

In less than a year, MCC’s health programs get students working in in-demand fields. There is still time to register for the Fall 2022 semester. While the Dental Assisting and Dental Lab Tech programs start on Tuesday, September 6, MCC's Medical Assisting program will begin on Monday, October 3. Enrollment specialists are available now to help get students on their paths to meaningful, stable and well-paying jobs!