Graduates will fulfill a high need in the medical industry
NASHUA – The inaugural Medical Assistant Training class at Nashua Community College graduated February 8 with a 100% exam completion rate. The new training was made possible through a collaboration between NCC, Southern NH Health, and ApprenticeshipNH. A medical assistant is a health care professional who assists doctors in medical offices, clinics, and hospitals.
Congratulations Graduates: Lauren Burns, Meagan Dupras, Amanda Kerner, Kristen McGeown, Karen Rodgers, and Nyssa Ruiz
“You made a choice to invest in yourselves, to develop your skills and to contribute to a vital industry. This decision reflects your dedication, determination, and the pursuit of excellence that has brought you to this moment,” said NCC President Lucille Jordan, addressing students at graduation.
The 2-part class combines 8, 40-hour weeks of theory and hands-on lab learning at the college followed by 4 weeks of clinicals.
“You have all pushed yourself outside your comfort zone, and I know you will continue to do so in your journey through allied health,” said Kim Eckenrode, Career and Technical Education Pathways Director at NCC.
The six graduates in the first class are all apprentices, with some already working in different roles within Southern NH Health before coming to this program.
“You are armed with knowledge, skills, and an unwavering determination to make a difference,” said Julie Tuttle-Varney, MSN, RN, AMB-BC, MS-BC Director Ambulatory Clinical Services with Southern NH Health at graduation. Tuttle-Varney said Medical Assistants help them provide excellent patient care, “Medical Assistants play a vital role in our ambulatory care workforce. They are the foundation of our clinical support staff, ensuring the efficient functioning of over 60 practices for our providers and community.”
By completing the training at NCC, the graduates have earned the credential of a Certified Medical Assistant. The graduates will now move on to the next phase of their apprenticeship with Southern NH Health.
Colin T. McHugh, President and CEO of Southern NH Health, welcomed graduates to the organization, “You have a lot of great opportunities in front of you.”
Bill Beaulieu of WorkReady NH addressed graduates, encouraging them to be lifelong learners. Beaulieu also presented a Team Leadership Award to graduate Karen Rogers.
During their training, students were compensated for their time through ApprenticeshipNH, a program that allows people to “earn as they learn.” Beyond medical training, ApprenticeshipNH offers paid, hands-on workforce training in a variety of industries. The overall apprenticeship process takes two-years, and students are paid by their employer throughout the apprenticeship.
Tracey Jackson, Hub Coordinator, ApprenticeshipNH, noted that this class experienced many “firsts.” “This is the first Medical Assistant program at NCC, and the first time working with Foundation Medical Partners. We started on campus with an empty room, and folks did an amazing job putting it all together.”
To apply to the next Medical Assistant Program with Foundation Medical Partners starting April 8, visit this link.
Questions about the hands-on work at NCC? Contact Kim Eckenrode at (603) 578-8979 or [email protected].
About Nashua Community College
Since 1970, Nashua Community College has been successfully meeting the educational needs of Greater Nashua by delivering a high quality two-year, post-secondary education. The college partners closely with area industries that provide students with a unique perspective in their fields of study, allowing for a real-world experience to further their academic journey. Students can choose from a variety of associate degree, certificate, and career training programs. Nashua Community College is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire. The seven community colleges in the system are committed to working with businesses throughout the state to train and retain employees to develop a robust workforce across all sectors. Learn more at nashuacc.edu.
About Southern New Hampshire Health, a member of SolutionHealth – Southern New Hampshire Health (SNHH) is comprised of Southern New Hampshire Medical Center and Foundation Medical Partners, and is Massachusetts General Hospital’s first clinical affiliate in the region. SNHMC is a 188-bed facility that has two campuses in Nashua. Southern New Hampshire Medical Center has been recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet® hospital and is in the top 1% of hospitals in the country to achieve four designations, illustrating its dedication to excellence in nursing. Foundation Medical Partners is a multi-specialty physician group with more than 300 primary care and specialty care providers. SNHH is committed to improving, maintaining, and preserving the overall health and well-being of individuals living in the greater Nashua area by providing information, education, and access to exceptional health care services. Learn more at SNHhealth.org
