At MCC, the Career Spark Center is creating additional pathways into healthcare careers for students looking to enter the field quickly or build on existing education.
More than 130 students have already enrolled in professional healthcare programs through the Career Spark Center this academic year, with about 70 additional students enrolling in summer cohorts. Programs like Phlebotomy continue to reach capacity each semester.
To help meet growing demand for entry-level healthcare positions, the College also recently launched a Sterile Processing Technician program—a two-semester training experience that combines classroom and lab instruction with a 400-hour clinical experience.
“One of the things that makes this program so appealing is its flexibility,” said Alex Hergott, Coordinator of Career Spark Programs at MCC. “Sterile Processing Technicians can work in a variety of healthcare settings, from hospitals to dental offices to veterinary clinics.”
Early feedback on the program has been promising: students from the first cohort have received high praise from clinical supervisors, with one student securing a full-time position just one month into her clinical placement.
While these programs are designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce, they are also attracting students enrolled in credit programs such as Nursing and EMT.
“Many students are adding certifications like Phlebotomy or EKG to strengthen their resumes and gain focused, skill-specific training,” Hergott said.
In addition to Phlebotomy, EKG, and Sterile Processing Technician training, the Career Spark Center offers Pharmacy Technician and Medical Assistant programs. Most of these healthcare trainings can be completed in one semester or less.
As they complete their studies, students are connected with MCC Career Services and often find employment within weeks, in part because of strong connections with local employers. Organizations such as Northwestern Medicine and Advocate Health not only regularly hire MCC students, but also serve as clinical partners, helping ensure students can turn that first step into a lasting career in healthcare.
Learn more about the Career Spark Center healthcare programs
