Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Academy of Health Professions?

The Academy of Health Professions (AHP) offers certificates in three areas: Medical Billing and Coding, Nursing Assistant, and Phlebotomy. With each Certificate, students gain skills that prepare them for employment in their chosen health field.

Students achieve success through a variety of traditional and non-traditional courses, career counseling and support, tutoring, and hands-on experience in health careers.  Small class size ensures that students receive individualized attention and support through the program.

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Can you tell me more about the Certificates that are offered?

Medical Billing and Coding:

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

Nursing Assistant:

The Nursing Assistant Certificate program consists of 19 college credits. This program 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. Upon passing this exam, students can work as a certified nursing assistant.

Phlebotomy:

The Phlebotomy Certificate program consists of 16 college credits. The program enables students to build the skills necessary to work in hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, research settings, and reference labs, which usually requires hands-on training and certification as a phlebotomist. Students 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, blood culture specimen collection on adults, children and infants. Additionally, students will learn how to perform an EKG.

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How long does it take to earn a Certificate?

Classes are offered in an accelerated format during the evening/weekend/online. Rather than a regular 15 week semester students will take 3 modules of 2-3 courses that run 9 weeks each.  Each certificate is completed in 27 weeks.

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When do the Certificate programs start?

The AHP Certificates start in both the fall and spring semesters.

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Will I earn any Certifications in these programs?

Students who complete the programs are eligible to take a certification exam in their field of study.  The students who completed the Medical Billing and Coding Certificate can take the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam.  The Nursing Assistant students can sit for the American Red Cross exam.  And student who complete the Phlebotomy Certificate can take a national certification exam.

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How do I enroll in the Academy?

In order to be admitted, and take classes in the AHP, you will need to contact the MCC Admissions Office at 1-800-818-3434.  The Admissions office will send you an application and certification form, as well as give you details so you can complete the admissions requirements.  See the link below for more details.

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What's next for me when I complete the AHP?

Upon completion of a Certificate, students can continue at MCC and work toward an Associate Degree in a Health Career Program or can enter the workforce.  With each Certificate, students gain skills that prepare them for employment in their chosen health field.

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Getting Started at the Academy of Health Professions

Follow this link to the admission requirements for the academy certificate programs.

https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/admissionrequirements/ahp.aspx

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Last Modified: 8/4/23