BROCKTON – Starting March, Massasoit Community College is offering two free short-term certificate programs for those interested in a career in healthcare.

The non-credit courses, which run through June, are taught in a hybrid format consisting of in-person and online learning.

The Basic Paramedic Certificate prepares students to act as an on-site service provider in front of the hospital, and the Nursing / Home Helping Certificate teaches students basic nursing skills, including vital signs monitoring, bathing and feeding, and record keeping.

Students in the EMT Basic Certificate program receive instruction and hands-on training in dealing with medical, traumatic and psychiatric emergencies in pre-clinical settings. Individuals who complete the program can then take the paramedic certification exams in Massachusetts and the National Registry of EMTs.

For the Nurse Assistant / Home Health Aide Certificate program, students spend class hours attending lectures and receiving hands-on training. As part of the program, they must also complete the clinical lessons in a long-term care facility and receive hand-in-hand dementia training from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Upon successful completion of the program, students must take the state exam to become a certified nurse.

“These certificate programs are perfect for people of all ages looking to start their careers or expand their opportunities,” Melanie Haber, vice president of corporate and community education at Massasoit, said in a statement. “EMT Basic program students also receive a monthly scholarship for transportation, childcare, and other incidental expenses.”

The EMT basic course starts on March 8th and lasts until June 30th. The courses take place Monday through Thursday from 5.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday classes are online and Tuesday and Thursday classes are held in person on the Middleboro campus of Massasoit Community College. Further information on the EMT basic program and the conditions of participation can be obtained by calling 508-588-9100, extension 1987.

The nurse / home help certificate runs from March 23 to June 14. Classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays are held virtually via Zoom and on Thursdays in person on the Massasoit campus in Canton. Further information and registration can be found at www.massasoit.edu/nurse-assistant.

The company’s employee, Katherine Noel, can be reached at [email protected]. You can follow her on Twitter at @katherinenoel_. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Enterprise today.