Middlesex Community College Launches Medical Office Assistant Program
Middlesex Community College (MCC) is set to enhance workforce readiness by offering a Medical Office Administrative Assistant Certificate starting in the fall of 2025. This initiative is part of MCC’s Community Education & Training division, aimed at equipping students with essential skills for high-demand healthcare roles across Massachusetts.
Audrey Nahabedian, MCC Dean of Workforce Development, highlighted the college’s collaboration with industry partners to create professional development programs tailored to meet current market needs. “MCC’s CET division works with industry partners to design professional development programs to help students start or advance in their careers,” she stated. The certificate program specifically trains frontline staff, who serve as the initial point of contact between patients and medical offices.
As part of the curriculum, students will receive both theoretical instruction and practical experience. Courses are designed to develop the necessary communication, administrative, and organizational skills vital for success in healthcare environments.
Course Highlights and Skill Development
Darcy Orellana, the instructor for the Customer Service Excellence course, underscored the importance of fostering positive relationships among patients, staff, and healthcare providers. Her course encourages students to refine their customer service skills and consider the expectations of patients in a clinical setting.
“The class focuses on building a deeper understanding of what excellent customer service involves, and how to make these skills and traits a part of everyday practice,” Orellana explained. The emphasis is on relationships characterized by empathy and clear communication, essential components in the healthcare sector. Orellana aims to help students develop communication skills that facilitate productive interactions between patients and healthcare professionals.
In addition to customer service training, students will explore the current job market and the expectations for roles such as patient access coordinators, medical office administrators, and customer service representatives. The certificate program consists of four courses, totaling 84 hours, covering topics such as computer applications, medical terminology, and medical billing.
Program Details and Registration Information
To earn the certificate, students must successfully complete all four courses. The session will run from September 17 to November 17, 2025. Grant funding opportunities are available for eligible students, making the program accessible to a broader audience.
For further information and to register for classes, prospective students can visit MCC’s official website at middlesex.edu/community/index.html. This initiative reflects MCC’s commitment to preparing its students for meaningful careers in a rapidly evolving job market, particularly in the vital healthcare sector.
