LRCC Healthcare Open House Sept. 28 for Medical Assistants and LNAs
Comes during a critical time of need in the healthcare profession
Laconia, N.H. (September 22, 2021) – Lakes Region Community College, in Laconia, is holding a healthcare open house and express admissions event on Tuesday, September 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. for those interested in exploring a career as a medical assistant (MA) or licensed nursing assistant (LNA). The information session and express admission event comes during a time of need for healthcare workers in two high-demand careers.
“Healthcare facilities are getting close to crisis mode with a lack of skilled workers” said Marty Pasquali, Nursing Department Chair at Lakes Region Community College. “Unfortunately, we hear every day from hospitals, assisted living facilities and other health care providers in dire need of skilled professionals. With this open house, we are looking to help fill the demand by enrolling and training LNAs and MAs for employment opportunities in our local community.”
Medical assistants are vitally important members of any healthcare team and perform a multitude of tasks that ensure quality patient care while assisting other medical staff with administrative and clinical duties. This career path for MA positions is growing much faster than average at 18% and can also serve as a steppingstone to other higher-level careers in medicine.
LRCC’s new MA cohort begins October 11. This 13-week program includes 242 hours of classroom instruction and 80 hours of clinical practicum at local medical offices preparing students for an essential role in the day-to-day functions of medical offices and medical specialty offices. Students will learn the skills to provide direct patient care along with the skills needed to keep the administrative office running smoothly. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to sit for the National Healthcare Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) national exam.
While MA’s primarily support medical staff in a medical practice setting, LNA’s focus on the personal care of patients, primarily in a hospital and long-term care setting and is another in-demand healthcare career position experiencing staffing shortages in New Hampshire. With a job outlook growing at 8% and openings at organizations across the state and region, LNAs are one of the most highly sought-after jobs in healthcare and are valued members of any medical team. They help to ensure that all patients are cared for and contribute to the medical team’s ability to keep the day running smoothly and work in a variety of settings, including rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, hospitals and outpatient clinics.
Classes start on October 5 for LRCC’s LNA program which consists of 106 hours including 46 hours of theory and 60 hours of clinical training preparing students for an essential role in the day-to-day functions of nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals. Hands-on, real-world experience during clinical training is arranged at a local healthcare facility as part of this program. Upon program completion, students will be given the opportunity to sit for the LNA Competency Exam.
LRCC healthcare open house attendees will learn about LRCC’s LNA and MA programs, speak with faculty who are in the field and can register on the spot for the new cohort of LNAs on October 5 and MAs on October 11 with express admissions.
LRCC has partnerships with Concord Hospital in Laconia and Franklin that place students in hands-on program training at each facility. Grants and funding are available for both programs for students who are eligible.
LRCC offers flexible classes with options for in-person, online and hybrid models. To learn more about the MA program, contact Donna Morgan at [email protected], and for the LNA program, contact Cathy Weigel at [email protected].
Lakes Region Community College is a fully-accredited, comprehensive community college located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire that serves over 1,200 students annually, and offers housing options for students. LRCC offers more than 40 degree and certificate programs, including Automotive and Marine Technology, Fire Science, Nursing, Culinary Arts, Business, Accounting, and more. In addition, LRCC provides a strong background in Liberal Arts for students who choose to complete their first two years at a community college and then transfer to a four-year college or university for a baccalaureate degree. Business and industry training programs are also available. Lakes Region Community College is part of the Community College System of New Hampshire. For more information, visit lrcc.edu.
Photo caption: LRCC students get hands on healthcare training. (Photo courtesy of LRCC).
