At Middlesex Community College, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to enter in-demand industries throughout Massachusetts. Run by MCC’s Community Education & Training (CET) division, Middlesex will offer a Medical Office Administrative Assistant Certificate in Fall 2025.

“MCC’s CET division works with industry partners to design professional development programs to help students start or advance in their careers,” said Audrey Nahabedian, MCC’s Dean of Workforce Development. “In our Medical Administrative Assistant Certificate, we train frontline staff who are the first point of contact between the patient and medical office. Through instruction and hands-on practice, our selection of courses develop the communication, administrative and organization skills employees need to succeed in this role.”

Darcy Orellana, instructor of the Customer Service Excellence course, emphasizes the importance of building positive relationships between patients, staff and providers. In her course, students practice their customer service skills and think about how patients expect to be treated when they come into the office.

“The class focuses on building a deeper understanding of what excellent customer service involves, and how to make these skills and traits a part of everyday practice,” Orellana said. “Working in healthcare requires relationships based on empathy, clear communication, and excellent customer service. My course taps into the common experiences we’ve all had. We develop and practice communication skills that will create positive and productive communication between patients and the healthcare office.”

As part of the certificate, classes also help students explore the current job market and what is expected of them in this type of role, according to Orellana. In 84 hours, students will complete four courses to get them ready to work in roles such as a patient access coordinator, medical office administrator, customer service or call center representative.

Classes include computer applications, customer service excellence, medical terminology and medical billing. To complete the certificate program, students must complete all four classes. The entire session runs from September 17 to November 17. Grant funding is available for eligible students.

Learn more about MCC's Community Education and Training division and register for classes!