MCC’s Certificate Program Put Graduate on Fast Track to New Career

Witnessing the work of nurses and nurse assistants amid the COVID-19 pandemic inspired Andover-native John Spagnuolo to pursue a career in the field. Despite his initial uncertainty about returning to school, Middlesex Community College’s Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Home Health Aid certificate program made the process easier and possible.

“I always thought about going into healthcare, but was afraid of going back to school,” Spagnuolo said. “MCC helped me realize that I can overcome a fear of going back to school and actually do well.”

The adult learner – who graduated from high school in 1994 – spent a large portion of his career as a hair stylist. He enjoyed his work, but felt pulled toward working in healthcare. Spagnuolo chose to attend Middlesex in his return to school because he had heard positive things and the college offered what he was looking for in terms of training and community.

Part of MCC’s Community Education and Training (CET) division, the CNA certificate program combines theoretical knowledge and skills with extensive, hands-on clinical experiences. During Spagnuolo’s two clinicals, he worked at a school and a nursing home.

The clinical experiences offered Spagnuolo and his classmates a chance to “work together and help each other” as they applied the knowledge they learned in their classes to real-life situations. Working as part of a team during these experiences taught him a lot about the industry and how to be successful.

“The value of the theoretical knowledge is so important, learning something new every day,” he said. “The clinical portion is great because I am a hands-on learner and learn fast that way.”

Most of Spagnuolo’s coursework was completed online over Zoom. In addition to collaborating with classmates, he learned a lot from his instructors who showed a passion and love for their craft. The program covered everything he needed to pass the Massachusetts CNA certification exam and enter the workforce in his new field.

After completing MCC’s program, Spagnuolo started working at Spaulding Rehab Hospital in Charlestown where he “learned so much.” He will next be moving into a position as a medical assistant at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear outpatient clinic.

With MCC, Spagnuolo got on his path to pursuing a new career and passion in just a few months’ time. Whether in class or at his clinicals, he “loved the overall experience” Middlesex provided and learned all of the information and training he needed to make this transition successful.

“If you put the time into anything of importance, you really do see positive results,” he said. “I am a product of that.”