MCC Offers NEW, FREE Health-based Micro-credential for Fall 2023

In the Fall 2023 semester, Middlesex Community College will introduce a new Public Health Informatics and Technology (PHIT) program. The three-course micro-credential is grant-funded and free for qualifying students interested in working in the highly-skilled public health technology fields.

The curriculum was developed by MCC, the Department of Public Health, University of Massachusetts Lowell, and funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology.

“The Public Health Informatics and Technology field is focused on the business of collecting, storing, managing, analyzing, using and sharing public health data in order to more efficiently and effectively impact population health,” said Kori Boeckeler, MCC’s Program Coordinator for PHIT. “Thanks to our grant funding, the three PHIT courses will be offered to students at no charge, and students who complete all three will be eligible to obtain a micro-credential.”

Each of MCC’s three PHIT courses will be offered as an accelerated, eight-week Mini-mester class. Introduction to Public Health will be offered as part of Fall 2023 Mini-mester I and Health Information Technology will be offered in the Fall 2023 Mini-mester II. The Introduction to Health Informatics and Information Systems will be available in Spring 2024 Mini-mester I. All courses are offered fully online.

Students who complete MCC’s three PHIT courses will earn a digital badge and may be eligible for employment in an entry-level PHIT position. PHIT majors can work in a variety of places, including hospitals, community health centers, patient advocacy groups, government agencies, public health departments, insurance companies, health IT companies, and the CDC.

MCC’s PHIT courses are eligible for transfer to a four-year institution, including a direct transfer to UMass Lowell into the Public Health Bachelor of Science degree.

Micro-credentials are mini qualifications that train students to be able to complete skills that employers want. The bundle is designed to provide specific knowledge in one of Massachusetts’ fastest growing industries and meet local workforce and industry partner needs.

“PHIT is essential to improving community and population health outcomes,” Boeckeler said. “This exciting, in-demand field will set up students who go into the industry for long-term success and MCC’s program is one of the best ways to get started!”