MCC’s Short Term Certificates Puts Students on Path to New Career

“Middlesex Community College’s Noncredit to Credit Pathway features noncredit courses students can take to earn college credit and combine with their previous life and work experience to advance their career,” said Sheila Morin, MCC’s Director of Community Education and Training (CET).

In giving students credit for what they have already learned, Middlesex makes education more accessible and provides a faster pathway to reach goals. Led by the Corporate and Community Education and Training divisions, MCC is a leader of workforce development in Massachusetts.

“All of these courses are geared toward jobs that are actively hiring and provide a stable income and career tract,” Morin said. “By taking advantage of the Noncredit to Credit Pathway, Middlesex students are put on a fast-track to a degree and new career.”

MCC’s partnerships with local companies, organizations and institutions have provided the knowledge and tools needed to prepare students for their careers. This includes skills they can take with them to their next steps or training that will get them started in a new role.

Through these partnerships, Middlesex is able to stay updated on industry trends, workforce needs and desired knowledge and skills. MCC’s CET division uses this knowledge when designing courses and certificates that will prepare students for new or current roles.

One of the more in-demand fields in Massachusetts is Advanced Manufacturing Machining. The certificate at Middlesex is in partnership with the Center for Manufacturing Technology. Students learn about the fundamentals of the position, including best practices and safety training.

The introductory SHRM Essentials of Human Resources (HR) course provides a comprehensive overview of the key aspects of HR. Providing foundational knowledge for students interested in entering the field, the course covers the HR function, talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, learning and development, performance management and employment law.

Other programs offered by MCC’s CET include valuable and relevant computer skill-building programming students can apply to many jobs. In the Microsoft Excel Certificate, students learn the beginning to advanced functions of Excel, including creating formulas, formatting worksheets and customizing data.

Through the Business Computer Applications Certificate, students prepare to work in different office positions. Skills include the Microsoft Office suite, file and folder management, system backup, device and printer setup, password management, internet basics and calendar software.

The Google IT Support Professional Certificate helps students interested in Information Technology (IT) become job-ready. Skills include troubleshooting, customer service, networking, operating systems, system administration and security. Through video lectures, quizzes and hands-on practice, students are prepared to take the CompTIA A+ exam and start work in IT.

Digital Photography is a skill employees can take with them in a variety of fields. MCC’s certificate teaches students how to advance their hobby from taking and editing photos to learning how to create a small business.

For students interested in health-related fields, Middlesex offers two noncredit programs students can complete for credit – Certified Nurse Assistant and Pharmacy Technician. These programs combine lectures with hands-on and practical experiences, such as skills labs, clinicals and externships. At the end of the program, students are prepared to sit for the certification exams.

Students can also choose to take MCC’s self-instructional Vascular Technology I & II program. The course covers the knowledge needed to perform vascular sonography while preparing students to sit for the national certification exam.

MCC’s CET programs provide academic, professional and personal enrichment for students of all ages and stages in their lives – whether they are looking to jumpstart or advance a career in an in-person, remote or hybrid work environment.

Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/careertraining/ for more information about CET’s certificate programs, noncredit courses and MCC’s Noncredit to Credit Pathway or contact Sheila Morin at morins@middlesex.mass.edu.

Featuring on campus, online and hybrid course formats, MCC is now registering for the Spring 2022 semester. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434 for more information and to register for classes.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC has been a proven leader in education for more than 50 years. Middlesex puts the student first. Meeting each learner where they are, MCC provides them with a safe, welcoming and engaging place to learn. Offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – Middlesex features flexible course formats and a variety of award-winning student support services and resources. Student success starts at MCC!