Students Can Attend Short-term Health Programs at No Cost
On August 24, 2022, Governor Polis launched Care Forward Colorado, which provides funding for in-demand, short-term healthcare education programs at no cost for individuals who aspire to be health care professionals. Morgan Community College (MCC) received $438,090 in Care Forward Colorado funding to provide financial support to students who attend one of the eligible certificate programs: Nurse Aide, Phlebotomy Technician, Medical Assistant, and Emergency Medical Technician. Funding is available to students beginning Fall 2022. To take advantage of this opportunity, students can complete an interest form at www.morgancc.edu/care-forward to connect with an advisor.
“Care Forward Colorado offers an affordable way for more people to launch their career in healthcare,” said Dr. Curt Freed, President of Morgan Community College. “Individuals can take advantage of the short-term training to lend their unique background and experiences to patient care. MCC is grateful to the Colorado legislature for helping reduce barriers to this important educational track.”
MCC’s Nurse Aide program introduces students to the medical field, with a focus on long-term care. The program offers hands-on experience where students learn to provide a high level of care by mastering skills, both in the classroom and with patients in facilities. Nurse Aides play a vital role in the medical industry by supporting patient care, including helping with daily living skills such as dressing, eating, hygiene, and by promoting safety in the patient’s environment. MCC is offering an 8-week Nurse Aide course that will begin October 10, 2022.
The Medical Office Clinical Assistant (MA) certificate provides students with the skills to provide hands-on care to clients in a clinic setting. The MA certificate program can be completed over four semesters. Courses begin January 2023.
“The short-term certificate in Medical Assisting is a great opportunity for students interested in health care and provides the necessary training for an entry level position in the field,” stated Kathy Frisbie, MCC Vice President of Instruction. “For individuals who want to learn more and have greater responsibility, the courses in the certificate count towards an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Office Assistant, which allows individuals to cross train in both administrative and hands-on clinical components of a health care setting.”
Phlebotomy Technicians play a key role in health care by properly collecting blood from patients and preparing the samples for testing. MCC’s seven-credit Phlebotomy Technologies Certificate program prepares students to work in a hospital or clinical setting and to successfully complete the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Registry exam. Courses begin January 2023.
Individuals interested in a career in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) can complete a certificate as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and following graduation be eligible to apply for the National Registry Exam. Once listed on the National Registry, graduates will be qualified to work with an ambulance service, in hospital or clinical settings, or with fire and police departments. The EMT program offers basic, advanced, and intermediate level instruction. Courses begin January 2023.
For more information about Care Forward Colorado funding and MCC healthcare programs, visit www.morgancc.edu/care-forward.
For more information about MCC CTE programs, visit www.morgancc.edu. To speak with an advisor, visit an MCC location or call (800) 622-0216.
