MCC Offers Grant Funding Toward Health Programs Starting in Fall

In the Fall 2023 semester, students who are low-income, unemployed or underemployed can receive free funding toward qualifying health programs at Middlesex Community College. Both the accelerated Medical Laboratory Technology associate degree and Medical Assisting certificate programs can be completed within two years.

“We are able to offer supplemental funding up to $6,000 for qualifying students in these programs,” said Karen Townsend, MCC’s Dean of Health. “Our accelerated health programs prepare students to sit for certification exams and directly enter fields that are actively seeking employees in under one year. Through a combination of specially designed curriculum and clinicals led by professionals who have experience in their fields, our students gain the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in their roles.”

Middlesex received over $1 million through the ETF Program run by the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges and Executive Office of Education toward noncredit and credit programs. The funding supports students pursuing in-demand fields in health and information technology (IT).

Adela Peci, of Beverly, chose to come to MCC because it was one of the only colleges offering the Medical Laboratory Technology program near her. She had worked as a lab assistant and was looking to advance in her career. She is looking forward to sitting for the certification exam and starting to work as a med lab tech.

“[MCC’s Medical Laboratory Technology program] was collaborative and there was always help and support when needed,” Peci said. “The program helps you meet a lot of people that will help in school and future career opportunities. It opens up a lot of options for your future and what you want to do.”

While working as a certified nurse assistant at a nursing home, Timothy McCarthy, of Lowell, was inspired to expand his career in healthcare. In MCC’s Medical Assisting certificate program, he was able to learn from instructors, classmates and coworkers in his clinical experience who kept him motivated. He is now working at Lowell Community Health Center and planning to become an LPN.

“When the opportunity to go to MCC and become a medical assistant for free came my way, I knew I had to take that opportunity,” McCarthy said. “It’s important to keep learning, keeping knowledge fresh and caring for those who need it.”

For more information on eligibility, contact Suzanne McHale, MCC’s Professor & Program Coordinator of Medical Laboratory Technology at mchales@middlesex.mass.edu or 978-322-8412 or Claudia Guillen, MCC’s Program Coordinator of Medical Assisting, at guillenc@middlesex.mass.edu or 978-656-324.