Middlesex Community College (MA)

The Addictions Counselor Program (ACP) Certificate provides the required coursework and fieldwork experience to be eligible for Massachusetts certification as a substance abuse counselor. Program graduates are prepared to take the required certification and state licensing examinations. Students are provided an in-depth knowledge of alcohol/addictions treatment programs and current treatment modalities. Students must take two field placement courses, totaling 300 hours, in an alcohol/addictions treatment facility. This experience allows students to work on the core functions of substance abuse counseling: assessment, treatment planning, case management, crisis intervention, client education and documentation. The program is completed through a one-year, three-semester curriculum, requiring 29 credits.

The Direct Support in Human Services Certificate program provides students with the knowledge and skills to effectively support individuals who may have disabilities or who seek assistance from human-service agencies. The program offers courses to develop the basic skills that have been identified by the U.S. Department of Labor as key to becoming a competent human-service worker. Students are also prepared to enter the associate degree program in Human Services.

The Human Services Associate in Science degree program prepares students for a variety of positions in the diverse field of human services. A strong general education component provides essential broad-based knowledge of individuals and society. The development of effective communication and counseling skills is emphasized. The cornerstone of the program is a field placement, which students complete under the guidance of human-service professionals. Students have the opportunity to explore career options working with children, elders, people with physical and mental disabilities, minority and refugee populations, homeless individuals and families, and other groups in need.

The Early Childhood Education Assistant Teacher Certificate program is designed for individuals who wish to work directly with children to provide quality classroom support for both children and other educational professionals, such as lead teachers and specialists. The Assistant Teacher Certificate is recommended for students who are just entering the field of Early Childhood Education (ECE) or those who do not wish to seek MA Early Education and Care (EEC) Lead Teacher (Level 2) certification or an Associate degree at this time.

The Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Option Associate in Science degree program is designed for students interested in working as police officers and in other law-enforcement careers. This option provides students with a strong foundation in criminal justice and the opportunity to focus their studies in the area of law enforcement and policing.

The curriculum emphasizes both an academic and practical approach to the three major areas of criminal justice - the police, courts and corrections - providing students with basic knowledge of legal issues facing practitioners in these fields. Emphasis is placed on oral and written communications, as well as interpersonal skill-building and understanding of the multicultural issues necessary for working with diverse populations.

The Digital Forensics Certificate program is designed to provide the education and training needed for employment in this newly emerging field. This field is ideal for individuals interested in how computer technology can be applied to the investigation of computer-related crimes. Coursework includes learning about the principles, procedures, techniques, and hardware and software tools used to collect, investigate and analyze digital evidence related to criminal investigations. Hands-on training is provided in MCC’s new, state-of-the-art Digital Forensics Laboratory on the Lowell campus. Coursework also includes criminal law, criminal investigation, and evidence and court procedures, as well as operating systems, networks and security.

The Digital Forensics Associate in Science, Liberal Studies degree program is designed to provide the education and training needed for employment in this newly emerging field (also know as digital forensics), as well as for transfer to a four-year degree program in computer forensics or related programs, such as computer science and information technology. This field is ideal for individuals interested in how computer technology can be applied to the investigation of computer-related crimes.

Coursework includes learning about the principles, procedures, techniques, and hardware and software tools used to collect, investigate and analyze digital evidence related to criminal investigations. Hands-on training is provided in MCC’s new, state-of-the-art Digital Forensics Laboratory on the Lowell campus. Coursework also includes criminal law, criminal investigation, evidence and court procedures, as well as operating systems, networks and security.

The Early Childhood Education Certificate program is a one-year intensive program of study that provides the educational background and supervised training for students interested in working with young children. It emphasizes developmentally appropriate practice and has a child-centered focus. Students learn and apply theory with hands-on experience in a required practicum. The practicum may be in early care and education programs for children.

The Early Childhood Education Associate in Science degree program provides the educational background and supervised training for students interested in working with young children. It emphasizes developmentally appropriate practice and has a child-centered focus. Students learn and apply theory with hands-on experience in a required practicum, after completing 24 program credits. The practicum must be in early care and education programs for children.

The Environmental Health Associate in Science, Liberal Studies degree program prepares graduates to transfer to bachelor-degree programs in environmental health or public health. Environmental health is a branch of public health that studies the effects of the environment on human health, the effects of human activities on the environment, and the ways to identify, assess and address adverse health effects, and promote public health and sustainable development.

Environmental Health professionals ensure safe food, safe drinking water, air quality, adequate sanitation, emergency response, and address communicable disease outbreaks and chronic disease. Experts estimate that a substantial portion of preventable illnesses - such as communicable diseases, asthma, cancer, and learning and behavioral disabilities - can be linked to environmental factors. It is clear that a healthy environment is critical to human health. This program qualifies for MassTransfer, which guarantees credit transfer to Massachusetts state universities and the University of Massachusetts.

The Fire Protection & Safety Technology Associate in Science degree program provides the broad based, hands-on coursework for individuals presently working in a fire-science occupation, or those seeking employment in this field. Courses are offered on the Bedford and Lowell campuses, and online. The program provides for a variety of careers in this field: firefighter at the city, town and state levels; military and airport facilities; departmental or regional positions; opportunities to work in fire investigation, or the state Fire Marshal's office; and emergency medical services, where firefighters and medical technicians work closely together. There are also opportunities within the business and industrial area, such as: hazardous materials, fire insurance-claim investigation, fire protection engineer, hospital fire safety, fire prevention inspector, and work with National Fire Protection Association in fire investigation, publishing and establishing standards. Our program is among a few nationally recognized programs by the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE), part of the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy.

The Paralegal Studies Certificate program prepares graduates for employment assisting lawyers in gathering and analyzing factual data, researching legal questions, and preparing legal documents. The program emphasizes solid academic and practice-oriented preparation. The certificate program focuses on legal courses, and is appropriate for someone who has already earned an associate degree or bachelor’s degree and is interested in changing careers. This program has been approved by the American Bar Association.

The Paralegal Studies Career Associate in Science, Liberal Studies degree program prepares graduates for employment assisting lawyers in gathering and analyzing factual data, researching legal questions, and preparing legal documents. The program emphasizes solid academic and practice-oriented preparation in the field. The core curriculum in general education enhances the specialized knowledge gained in the concentration courses. This program has been approved by the American Bar Association.

The Aviation Maintenance Technology Associate in Science, Liberal Studies degree program prepares students for employment with major and commuter airlines, airplane and helicopter engine manufacturers, and many other aviation-related companies. Training also provides the background for career advancement in these industries.

The hands-on aircraft maintenance instruction and training at National Aviation Academy, located at 130 Baker Ave. Extension in Concord, MA, is the first component of the program. Students complete the requirements for the Associate in Science degree at MCC. The general education and business courses strengthen communications, computer and management competency. MCC associate degree credits for the aviation maintenance courses are awarded on receipt of an official transcript from National Aviation Academy. Students may begin their MCC coursework at any time.

The Culinary Arts Certificate program is a nine-course program providing the foundation skills and specialized instruction for entry-level employment in the restaurant industry. It provides students with valuable practical experience in culinary courses held at a local culinary facility. The program offers internship opportunities to work in the restaurant industry to practice skills, gain experience and investigate career pathways. All credits earned for the certificate can be applied to the associate degree program.

The Hospitality Management - Culinary Arts Associate in Science in Business Administration program is designed to prepare students for careers in the many specialized areas of the food and beverage industry. It provides students with valuable practical experience in culinary courses held at a state-of-the-art culinary facility. The program offers cooperative field experience opportunities to work in the restaurant industry to practice skills, gain experience and investigate career pathways. It is appropriate for individuals with or without experience in the restaurant industry.

The Hospitality Management Certificate program is designed to provide the skills needed to enter the fields of hotel and restaurant management. Courses focus on the specific knowledge needed in the industry, and the Internship provides students with relevant and useful workplace experience.

The Dental Assisting Certificate program provides the skills and knowledge necessary to assist at chairside in the dental environment. The program prepares students to perform clinical supportive procedures, some clinical procedures on patients (such as oral-health instruction), to perform laboratory procedures, and basic office procedures. Students also gain knowledge into the legal provisions and regulations pertinent to the Massachusetts Dental Practice Act and dental auxiliary utilization. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board exam which awards the credential of Certified Dental Assistant. The program emphasizes hands-on learning in small clinical and lab settings, as well as through the internship experience and Service-Learning activities.

The Dental Assisting Associate in Science degree program provides the skills and knowledge necessary to assist at chairside in the dental environment. The program prepares students to perform clinical supportive procedures, some clinical procedures on patients (such as oral-health instruction), to perform laboratory procedures, and basic office procedures. Students also gain knowledge into the legal provisions and regulations pertinent to the Massachusetts Dental Practice Act and dental auxiliary utilization. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board exam (DANB), which awards the credential of Certified Dental Assistant. The program emphasizes hands-on learning in small clinical and lab settings, as well as through the externship experience and Service-Learning activities.

This course is recommended for registered dental hygienists who would like to become certified in local anesthesia. MCC complies with the Massachusetts. Board of Registration in Dentistry regulations for the administration of local anesthesia. At completion, RDH will be able to administer safe, effective, and painless local anesthesia with confidence and competence and be prepared to take the CDCA exam. The course consists of a 40-50 hour on-line study (self-paced) prior to clinical training, interactive presentations, and a 3-day clinical training in which students will have 30 injection experiences and a clinical final exam.

The Dental Hygiene Associate in Science degree program is designed to prepare competent dental-hygiene professionals, capable of providing quality dental-hygiene care in a variety of settings within a changing health-care system and a culturally diverse society. Students gain the skills and knowledge required to take the National Dental Hygiene Board and Northeast Regional Board examinations, and learn to practice in a manner consistent with the highest standards set forth by the ADA/CODA, ADHA, OSHA, CDC and Massachusetts General Laws pertinent to health-care provider settings, including the State Dental Practice Act. Service-Learning is infused throughout the Dental Hygiene coursework, including the clinical courses.

The Dental Laboratory Technology Certificate program offers a curriculum composed of didactic and laboratory experience. Courses include content in dental materials, oral anatomy, occlusion, history and ethics in dental laboratory technology, as well as the study of infectious diseases. The extensive laboratory component covers all phases of dental technology: partial dentures, complete dentures, crown and bridge, ceramics, and implants. As a result of this experience, students acquire skills in various manufacturing methods for model making, waxing patterns, casting, pressing, digital scanning, digital designing, ceramic application and implant technology, as they pertain to all the major areas of dental technology. The dental laboratory technology certificate prepares graduates to assume a professional role in the dental health delivery system and perform laboratory techniques and procedures in dental laboratories or dental offices.

The Dental Laboratory Technology Associate in Science degree program offers a curriculum composed of didactic, internship and laboratory experience, with courses in dental materials, oral anatomy, occlusion and issues in dental laboratory technology, as well as study of infectious diseases. The extensive laboratory component, which requires 1,000 hours, covers all phases of dental technology: partial dentures, complete dentures, crown and bridge, ceramics and orthodontics. As a result of this experience, students acquire skills in waxing, gypsum, design, fit and finish, as they pertain to all the major areas of dental technology. The program trains technicians in the category of generalist as defined by the Commission on Dental Accreditation to maintain approval status granted by the Commission. The general education aspect of the curriculum includes content in communications skills, mathematics, chemistry, physics, business principles and computers.

The Medical Laboratory Technology Associate in Science degree program is designed to prepare the student for entry into the clinical laboratory setting as a medical laboratory technician. As a member of the health care team, the medical laboratory technician plays a critical role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease by developing data on blood and other human body fluids using highly computerized and automated instrumentation. Medical laboratory technicians work under the supervision of medical technologists or physicians in all areas of the laboratory, including chemistry, hematology, immunology, serology, immunohematology and microbiology. The student will become proficient in these disciplines of the laboratory through didactic and laboratory sessions at the college, and clinical practicums at affiliated sites. Students who complete the program are then eligible to sit for the board of certification exam with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate in Science degree program provides the knowledge and techniques required for specialization in the field of diagnostic medical sonography. Students receive training in producing the ultrasound images used by physicians in the diagnosis of disease, injuries and other medical conditions. The curriculum has a general education component, with a concentration in relevant science courses. Students achieve proficiency in sonographic physics and instrumentation, obstetrical, gynecological, abdominal, vascular and pediatric sonography. There is an extensive clinical practicum, which may include rotations through several clinical sites. The clinical rotation enhances student-learning experiences. A great number of clinical affiliates are located throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. It will be the students’ responsibility for transportation and related travel expenses when assigned. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers certifying examination.

The primary goal of the Medical Assisting program is to prepare competent entry-level Medical Assistants in the knowledge (cognitive), skills (psychomotor), and professional behavior (affective) learning domains. Students with different learning styles will obtain knowledge (cognitive domain) by using lecture, visual aids, assessments and externships to ensure mastery of core content. Students will learn professional behavior (affective domain), through the use of scenarios to demonstrate communication and critical thinking skills which will prepare them for situations they will experience in the workplace. Additionally, students will learn and practice “hands on” (psychomotor domain) skills in the laboratory setting before attending externship to verify competency as an “entry level medical assistant.”

The primary goal of the Medical Assisting program is to prepare competent entry-level Medical Assistants in the knowledge (cognitive), skills (psychomotor), and professional behavior (affective) learning domains. Students with different learning styles will obtain knowledge (cognitive domain) by using lecture, visual aids, assessments and externships to ensure mastery of core content. Students will learn professional behavior (affective domain), through the use of scenarios to demonstrate communication and critical thinking skills which will prepare them for situations they will experience in the workplace. Additionally, students will learn and practice “hands on” (psychomotor domain) skills in the laboratory setting before attending externship to verify competency as an “entry level medical assistant.”

Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program consists of 21 college credits. The objective of this program is to provide the students with the skills to perform a variety of administrative health information functions, including those associated with organizing, analyzing, and technically evaluating health insurance claim forms and coding diseases, surgeries, medical procedures, and other therapies for billing and collection.

MCC’s Nursing Program is offered as a Day option and an Evening/Weekend option, and is designed to prepare nurses at the Associate in Science degree level and provide eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses). The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN ): 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326; 404-975-5000 and approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

The curriculum provides a sound background in field-related science, technical skills and general education with learning experiences in the classroom, nursing laboratory and clinical settings.

Applicants to the Nursing Program are advised that compliance with the “Good Moral Character” requirement of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing is evaluated for any applicant for initial licensure with a criminal conviction or disciplinary action against an LPN license.

MCC’s Nursing Program is offered as a Day option and an Evening/Weekend option, and is designed to prepare nurses at the Associate in Science degree level and provide eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses). The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN ): 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326; 404-975-5000 and approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

The curriculum provides a sound background in field-related science, technical skills and general education with learning experiences in the classroom, nursing laboratory and clinical settings.

Applicants to the Nursing Program are advised that compliance with the “Good Moral Character” requirement of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing is evaluated for any applicant for initial licensure with a criminal conviction or disciplinary action against an LPN license.

The Nursing Assistant Certificate program in the Academy of Health Professions prepares students for entry-level employment as a nursing assistant. The program combines theory and practice instruction with long-term care experiences, and fulfills the Massachusetts Department of Public Health requirements. Students who complete the program are eligible to take the American Red Cross certification examination and upon passing can work as a certified nursing assistant.

This training program (including 24 hours of weekend clinical training at a local long-term care facility) prepares you for an entry-level career as a Nurse Assistant. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to sit for the Massachusetts nurse assistant certification exam. Students will learn how to appropriately care for residents in long-term care facilities and hospitals, as well as personal patient care, patient rights, lifting and turning patients, safety, infection control, vital signs, record keeping, mental health care of residents, and stress management.

Under the supervision of a Registered Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technicians work in hospitals, home-infusion pharmacies, community pharmacies, and other healthcare settings. This course is designed to teach students the knowledge and skills necessary to practice as a Pharmacy Technician in a retail setting. The course consists of a 60-hour, instructor-led class, followed by an 80-hour externship (optional) in an actual pharmacy setting. The course will prepare the student to take the National Certification Exam to become PTCB certified.

The Phlebotomy Certificate program in the Academy of Health Professions enables the student to build the skills necessary to work in hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, research settings, and reference labs as a phlebotomist. The student will be trained to perform a variety of blood-collection methods, using proper techniques and precautions including: vacuum-collection devices, syringes, capillary skin puncture, butterfly needles, and blood culture specimen collection on adults, children and infants.

Emphasis will be placed on infection prevention, proper patient identification, proper labeling of specimens, and quality assurance. Students will be taught specimen handling, processing and accessioning, as well as the essentials of OSHA Safety Control procedures and regulations. Topics include professionalism, ethics and medical terminology. After completion of the program, students will be eligible to sit for a national certification exam.

The Radiologic Technology Associate in Science degree program reflects the combined efforts of educators and health care professionals in preparing students for entry into a professional specialty that is an important part of the health care delivery system. Program graduates are eligible for the national certification examination of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, licensing in the state of Massachusetts, and immediate entry into the radiology workforce.

Students are provided a background in the technical skills necessary to produce quality radiographs used for diagnosis of disease and injury by radiologists and other physicians. Emphasis is placed on radiation safety principles and procedures, as well as concepts and theory. That knowledge is reinforced and put into practice through clinical experience in an area hospital. Theory is taught in logical sequence, guiding students through patient-centered activities related to producing radiographs. While in the program, students are given an opportunity to investigate other imaging modalities, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Many Radiologic Technology graduates continue their education, pursuing additional professional credentials.

This ONLINE program through Cengage Learning prepares students for an exciting new career as an administrative veterinary assistant. Students in the program learn about the care of animals, as well as how to recognize signs of illness and disease. This online program also covers interpersonal communication, interaction with clients and their animals, as well as how to assist the veterinarian during examinations. Administrative duties, such as fee collection, banking, and accounts payable, are emphasized, and the program contains basic information about pet insurance.

The Energy Utility Technology Associate in Science, Liberal Studies degree program provides students accepted in, or who have completed, the Energy Utility Technology (EUT) Certificate program with pathways to further education. In order to enroll in this program, students will be required to either have completed, or be accepted into and taking courses in, the EUT Certificate program. The degree program will consist of (in addition to courses in the EUT Certificate program) general education courses and five electives. The general education courses enhance the knowledge gained in other courses. The elective courses may be used to focus the student toward specific career areas related to the energy utility industry, such as engineering or business management.

The Engineering Technology-CAD Associate in Science degree program provides a solid foundation in mechanical design and drawing. The CAD labs at Middlesex are equipped with powerful workstations that complement the popular AutoCAD, Inventor and SolidWorks software for mechanical courses, Architectural Desktop and Revit for architectural courses, and PADS-PCB for printed circuit board design courses. Students create drawings in 2-D and 3-D, generate solid models and explore animation techniques, all skills sought in the fast-growing, high-salaried field of computer aided design. Graphics techniques and microcomputer systems, database, spreadsheet and word processing are interrelated. As a result, students gain versatility in various areas of CAD, in addition to technical proficiency.

The Engineering Technology-CAD Certificate program is a 24-credit, computer-based curriculum designed to develop CAD operators and CAD designers skilled in using 2-D and 3-D software tools. The program provides interactive learning on state-of-the-art software packages in the principal areas of mechanical design through solid modeling and printed circuit board design. The student will have an option of taking a course in Printed Circuit Design, DFM, Solid Modeling, Architectural CAD, Informatinon Technology or Computer Science.

The Engineering Technology - Precision Machining Certificate is designed to provide the education and training needed for entry-level employment within the precision machining industry. Program requirements stress the foundational mathematics, communications, problem solving, and technical skills that prepare students to learn specific machining skills valued by precision manufacturing companies. The program is designed to include hands-on training on precision machining equipment.

The Graphic Design Certificate program is ideal for students who wish to acquire new skills or upgrade current graphic-design experience. Students use state-of-the-art Macintosh equipment and software packages.

Students in the Graphic Design Associate in Science, Liberal Studies degree program will gain the knowledge and skills to design and produce professional-level projects that will prepare them to enter the graphic-design workplace and/or transfer to a college or university. These techniques are taught on state-of-the-art Macintosh equipment and software packages.

This hands-on certificate program delves into the basic design theory, planning, deployment, and ongoing development of a website using WordPress or other blogging and content management systems. Basic understanding of Windows and the internet are prerequisites. WordPress will be used for all course content.

MCC’s Technical Writing Certificate program provides students with the skills and tools to clearly and accurately inform users about technical information. In this 120-hour (two semester) post-graduate, noncredit certificate program, students will learn how to conduct audience- and task-analysis, work with subject matter experts, understand product documents and the product-development cycle, write clear procedures, review and revise technical information, manage projects, and make content usable. Also covered are tools for authoring information for electronic and print distribution. Through lecture, online learning, and projects, students will create a portfolio featuring samples of their work.

The IT Cybersecurity Advanced Certificate is designed for students who have already worked a minimum of 1 year in network administration area and demonstrate college-level math skill through the Accuplacer exam. It enables them to obtain the cybersecurity skills now required for a variety of positions in network security administration. Problem-solving and analytical thinking are emphasized throughout the program, with a hands-on approach to learning.

The IT Cybersecurity Entry-Level Certificate prepares students either to enroll in the IT Cybersecurity Advanced Certificate or Liberal Studies IT Cybersecurity Transfer Associate Degree program. They also prepare employment in a variety of entry-level network administration positions.

Problem-solving and analytical thinking are emphasized throughout the certificate, with a hands-on approach to learning.

The IT Cybersecurity Entry-Level Certificate conforms to the National Initiative for Cyber Security Education (NICE) framework for academic programs, developed jointly by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).