EDISON — Four free health care certificate programs will be offered by Middlesex County College for individuals who are unemployed and fulfill other requirements.
Classes are offered multiple times throughout 2018. The first set of courses starts Feb. 12 and can be completed in as little as three weeks.
“Health care is a wonderful career and those who have the skills are in demand by employers,” said Martin Schamberger, the allied health coordinator at Middlesex County College (MCC). “You can take our course and be working just weeks later.”
The EKG technician continuing education certificate program is the shortest course that runs for three weeks, the certified nursing assistant certificate program is a five week course, the phlebotomy technician certificate is a 10 week course and the medical assistant certificate program is the longest course that runs for eight months.
The programs in phlebotomy and medical assistants offer externships, in which the students work at a job site while they learn.
“Externships provide the real world experience that so many employers look for in job applicants,” Schamberger said. “Students do a clinical rotation in the applicable work location, which gives them a competitive edge.”
The program is funded by grants totaling $120,000 from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
The college is recruiting 49 individuals who are currently unemployed. They must pass a reading comprehension and mathematics test, be approved by the County One-Stop Career Center, and meet with potential employers.
Schamberger said the certificate program is free for the individuals selected. The grant will cover the cost of all fees including uniforms and materials. He said the individuals will also receive job placement assistance.
“We have an excellent relationship with employers who are eager to hire our grads,” he said.
Eight information sessions about the certification courses will be held at MCC’s Edison campus at 9:30 a.m.
The 90-minute sessions will be held in in Crabiel Hall 126 on the following dates — Feb. 7, March 7, Apr. 4, May 2, May 30, June 13, July 11 and Aug. 8.
Registration is not necessary. For more information call 732-906-7735 or email [email protected].