�鶹��ý-Concord’s Community College offers 1,000+ Workforce Education programs and courses. Separate from our academic courses, these classes equip students with concrete skills that immediately translate to work environments. Explore these options if you are looking to begin a new career in an accelerated timeline, learn a new skill, achieve a professional certification, or meet your continuing education requirements.

Becoming a Clinical Medical Assistant is a great way to start a career in healthcare, and it doesn�t take a lot of time or schooling to get the training you need to land one of these in-demand jobs. In fact, U.S. News & World Report have listed medical assistants as #7 in its �Best Jobs Without a College Degree� list and #10 in its �Best Healthcare Support Jobs� list. In addition, the occupation is also found on its list of �100 Best Jobs of 2021� based on pay, stress levels, personal satisfaction, job demand, and other factors. Here are five things you need to know about a career as a clinical medical assistant as you consider this new career path:

Clinical medical assistants are an important part of the healthcare team.

They are responsible for completing administrative and clinical duties that help healthcare facilities run efficiently and effectively treat patients. For example, you might record patient information and history, measure vital signs, and help with patient examinations in this role. You may also give patients injections or medications, explain treatments and procedures, schedule appointments, prepare samples for labs, and update medical records, among other things.

Clinical medical assistants make a good salary.

Most clinical medical assistants work full-time, and some do have to work holidays or weekends to ensure that medical facilities are properly staffed whenever they are open. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national median salary for medical assistants is $35,850, with the top earners in the profession making more than $50,000! Those working in outpatient centers and hospitals typically make the most money. Medical assistants in New Hampshire can expect to make $44,000-$47,000 a year.

Clinical medical assistants have a lot of work opportunities.

According to the BLS, employment of medical assistants is expected to grow 19% during the next 10 years. This is almost five times faster than the average expected growth for all jobs in the United States and equals an additional 139,200 jobs! Clinical medical assistants can find work in almost any type of healthcare facility, including physician�s offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, and even chiropractor�s offices. However, those who earn certification, such as the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), will have the best job prospects according to the BLS.

Clinical medical assistants have a rewarding career.

Helping others makes you feel good, and you will be doing a lot of that in this role. One of your primary jobs as a clinical medical assistant is to help make patients feel at ease for their appointment and during any treatments. This is essential to ensuring successful medical care. In addition, you will help patients every day by ensuring they understand what and why they need treatments, calming their nerves, properly performing procedures like drawing blood and taking vitals, and accurately updating medical records.

Clinical medical assistants don�t need to have a degree.

To become a clinical medical assistant, you will need to first earn a high school diploma or equivalent. There are no formal education requirements in most states, but you will likely need to find a professional training or certificate program to gain the skills you will need on the job. Many clinical medical assistants also decide to earn a professional certification such as the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the NHA to improve their job prospects and earning potential. Some states require clinical medical assistants to complete a professional training program, pass a certification exam, or both. It�s important to check with your state board of medicine for more information in New Hampshire.

Whether you�re looking for an in-demand job, good salary, personal job satisfaction, or a way to make a difference by helping others, entering a healthcare career as a clinical medical assistant is a great choice.

Want to learn more about starting a career as a certified clinical medical assistant?

Explore our

�鶹��ý-Concord’s Community College offers 1,000+ Workforce Education programs and courses. Separate from our academic courses, these classes equip students with concrete skills that immediately translate to work environments. Explore these options if you are looking to begin a new career in an accelerated timeline, learn a new skill, achieve a professional certification, or meet your continuing education requirements.

Human resources professionals are in demand in New Hampshire. Remote work and the need for workplace collaboration are at an all-time high. As a result, skilled human resources professionals are more in demand than ever to ensure that employees stay connected with each other and with their employers.

You can begin a career in human resources in just six months with an Here are the top human resources skills employers, want and what you should look for in any HR training program you choose to pursue.  

1. Build employee relations

Building relationships between employees and employers and between the employees themselves is fundamental to any HR role. You will need to be skilled at both communication and conflict resolution and possess effective ways to motivate workers and keep them engaged. Look for a training program that will teach you how to create great rewards programs, encourage workers to stay loyal to your company, and plan compensation and benefits. It�s also important to understand how unions work, collective bargaining, and what to do when negotiations aren�t working.

2. Recruit and onboard like a pro

Competition for skilled workers in New Hampshire is intense even when unemployment rates climb. Turnover is expensive so employers are looking for human resources professionals who can attract and retain great employees. Look for an HR training program that will teach you how to perform specific tasks to help you develop this skill such as how to write a job ad, prep for an interview, review résumés, make a job offer, develop training programs, plan for succession, and encourage workers to stay with your company.

3. Create a safe and healthy workplace

You probably know that HR professionals are in charge of coordinating company insurance. Still, these days creating a safe and healthy workplace that employees want to be part of goes way beyond good medical insurance. Employers want to know that you understand how to protect against workplace hazards, investigate and record accidents and illnesses, comply with OSHA, create wellness incentives, and of course, understand benefits packages related to various types of insurance.

4. Comply with employment laws

Employment law may be one of the most difficult parts of a Human Resources Professional�s job. There are so many laws that govern and affect how employers and employees work together, and you must have a deep understanding of how these laws can impact your organization. Therefore, when you are preparing for a career in human resources, you will want to choose a training program that spends a fair amount of time in this area and teaches you things like basic employment law terms and facts, Equal Employment Opportunity, and what is discrimination. Additionally, coverage of what happens when an employee files an EEOC claim, how to create an affirmative action plan, and laws that protect employee rights and privacy will be beneficial as well.

5. Use HR technology

The use of technology is increasing everywhere, including in the jobs of human resources professionals. Human Resources Information Software (also known as HRIS) will make your job easier and more efficient by allowing you to use technology to automate tasks like payroll. Employers are looking for HR professionals who have experience with HRIS, and this is not easy to get if you have never worked in an HR role before. Look for a training program that can give you valuable knowledge and maybe even hands-on practice with HRIS tools. You want to make sure your program teaches how HRIS can be used as a tool for decision-making and job analysis.

Are you ready to learn more or start a career as a Human Resources Professional? Explore our today.

Carpentry students at �鶹��ý-Concord�s Community College have been honing their construction skills through community projects. This fall, the class volunteered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace and Habitat for Humanity.

�Our carpentry apprenticeship program has always required a monthly field trip, but these excursions were typically a visit to a construction site or business to learn about their operations,� said Kathy Taylor, director of workforce education at �鶹��ý. �This fall�s class took a hands-on approach.�

In September the class participated in Sleep in Heavenly Peace, building beds for children who do not have them.

For October, they worked on a Habitat for Humanity project in Allenstown. They demolished a rotting deck and replaced it with a new landing at the home’s entrance. Students also replaced the windows in a trailer owned by an elderly woman who recently lost her husband.

“We needed to see the real world and to see how different life is for others,� said a student who participated in the Habitat for Humanity project. The class shared that the experience underscored why their work in construction matters.

Through these field trips, students are learning how to work with different personalities, collaborate with volunteers�including people of varying skill levels�and see real-world projects come together from start to finish.

The class is eager to continue these projects and has already planned a November trip with Habitat for Humanity to reframe and remodel a trailer bathroom in Loudon.

�鶹��ý�s offers 1,000+ workforce education programs, including a hands-on carpentry apprenticeship program. Learn more about these offerings at nhti.edu/workforce.

�鶹��ý-Concord’s Community College offers 1,000+ Workforce Education programs. Separate from our academic courses, these classes equip students with concrete skills that immediately translate to work environments. Explore these options if you are looking to begin a new career in an accelerated timeline, learn a new skill, achieve a professional certification, or meet your continuing education requirements.

Do you have a passion for helping people and a deep interest in mental wellness? A career as a mental health technician could be the perfect path for you.

Mental health technicians are a vital part of the mental healthcare team, providing direct patient care and support under the supervision of doctors and nurses. They work in various settings, including hospitals, residential facilities, and community health centers. These professionals help individuals with mental and emotional challenges navigate their journey to recovery.

Becoming a mental health technician offers a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives while gaining valuable experience in the healthcare field.

Why Become a Mental Health Technician?

Here is why you should consider this career path:

• High demand: The need for psychiatric technicians and aides is expected to grow over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is much faster than the average for other jobs.
• Plenty of openings: On average, the BLS reports that there will be about 21,200 job openings for mental health technician-related roles each year. This steady demand shows that employers will highly value your skills.
• Competitive pay: In May 2024, the average yearly salary for psychiatric technicians was over $42,500, based on BLS data. With a strong job market and a clear pathway for advancement, you can build a stable and financially secure career.
• Fast entry into the field: You do not need a four-year degree to get started. allows you to begin your career quickly, often in just a few months.
• Diverse career pathways: Being a mental health technician is an excellent way to get hands-on experience in healthcare. It can serve as a great starting point for a future career as a nurse, social worker, or other mental health professional.

Your Job Pathway as a Mental Health Tech

The journey to becoming a mental health technician is straightforward and accessible. The first step is to get the necessary education and certification.

Step 1: Earning Your Certificate

To begin your career, you need to complete a specialized training program. The at �鶹��ý is an excellent starting point. This program provides you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed for the job. In just 12 months, you will learn about:

• Psychology fundamentals: Understanding human behavior and mental health conditions.
• Patient care techniques: How to assist with daily activities and monitor a patient’s condition.
• Crisis intervention: Learning to respond calmly and effectively during difficult situations.
• Medical and ethical standards: Following professional guidelines to ensure patient safety and privacy.

Since the course is online, you can study at your own pace from anywhere, making it easy to balance your education with your current life.

Step 2: Gaining Experience and Finding a Job

After completing the course, you will be ready to apply for entry-level positions. Many healthcare facilities are looking for qualified mental health technicians. Your certificate from �鶹��ý will make you a strong candidate.

In your first job, you will work directly with patients, assisting nurses and other healthcare professionals. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing your skills and confidence. You will learn how to apply the theories from your course in real-life situations.

Step 3: Advancing Your Career

As you gain experience, you will have several options for advancement. For instance, with a few years of experience, you can take on more responsibilities, such as training new staff or managing a specific patient unit.

You can also choose to work with a specific patient population, such as children, the elderly, or people with substance abuse issues. Many mental health technicians decide to continue their education to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN). The knowledge you gain as a mental health technician provides a strong foundation for these more advanced roles.

Take the First Step

The demand for mental health professionals is growing, and starting as a mental health technician is a smart way to enter this important and expanding field. The �鶹��ý online course is the first step on this fulfilling career path.

Thinking about a new career? Consider the field of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R). As our world becomes more reliant on controlled environments for comfort, health, and trade, the demand for skilled HVAC/R technicians continues to grow. This is a stable, high-paying career with a positive job outlook, offering a pathway to a rewarding and secure future. With the proper training, you can become a certified professional in this essential industry and be ready to enter the workforce in a short amount of time.

Job Outlook for HVAC/R Technicians

The HVAC/R industry is experiencing significant growth, making it a promising field for a new career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of HVAC/R professionals is likely to grow 9% through 2033, which is much faster than the average for all professions (4%). This growth is driven by several key factors, such as:

• Technology and Efficiency: The increasing demand for energy-efficient and smart climate control systems in both residential and commercial buildings requires skilled technicians to install, maintain, and repair them.
• New Construction and Aging Systems: As new homes and businesses are built, there is a constant need for new HVAC/R system installations. Simultaneously, older systems in existing buildings will require maintenance, repair, and eventual replacement, ensuring a steady stream of work for technicians.
• Skilled Worker Shortage: The HVAC/R field is facing a shortage of qualified professionals, as many experienced technicians are retiring without enough new workers to replace them. This creates a high demand for new talent and excellent opportunities for graduates entering the workforce.

On a regional level, states like New Hampshire have a consistent need for HVAC professionals due to the varied climate with hot summers and cold winters. The job growth in New Hampshire aligns with the strong national trend, making it an ideal location to begin an HVAC/R career.

According to the BLS, the median yearly salary for HVAC/R technicians in the U.S. was $59,810 in May 2024, with the highest 10% of workers earning more than $91,020. In New Hampshire, you can expect to earn an average income of $52,482 each year based on Indeed salary data. These figures, together with the projected job growth, demonstrate that a career in this field offers long-term stability and strong earning potential.

Why Choose the �鶹��ý HVAC/R Technician Course

�鶹��ý � Concord’s Community College offers an designed to get you job-ready quickly and affordably. It is perfect for anyone with little or no experience. Here is what makes this program a smart choice:

• 100% Online, Self-Paced Learning: You can study from anywhere, on your own schedule. This flexibility makes it easy to balance your studies with work or family.
• Hands-On Simulations: This course is not just about reading. You will use over 200 interactive simulations and challenges to get hands-on experience troubleshooting and repairing HVAC/R systems. It is like working in the field from the comfort of your home.
• Comprehensive Skills: The program covers everything you need to know, from the basics like heat transfer and refrigeration cycles to advanced topics like electric motors and automatic controls. You will also learn vital soft skills like communication and problem-solving, which are key to success on the job.
• Career-Ready Certification Vouchers: One of the biggest advantages is the included voucher package. You will be prepared to take the most important industry exams, including EPA 608 Universal Technician Certification, HVAC Excellence Employment Ready Certificates, and NATE Ready to Work Certificate. Earning these certifications proves you have the skills employers are looking for, giving you a major advantage in the job market.

Launch Your HVAC/R Tech Career with �鶹��ý

Ready to take the next step toward a stable, in-demand career? With your certifications and new knowledge, prepares you to seek an entry-level position. Many graduates start with apprenticeships or entry-level roles to get real-world experience.

With open enrollment and a self-paced format, you can start your training whenever you are ready and complete the course on your own schedule. You will have up to 12 months to access all the learning materials. Don’t wait to start your new future. !

The healthcare world is constantly evolving, and behind the scenes, a vital team ensures everything runs smoothly. Medical billing and coding professionals help make sure doctors and hospitals receive payment and that patients receive accurate bills.

If you are looking for a steady job that is in high demand, offers good pay, and gives you flexibility, our online could be perfect for you.

What Do Medical Billers and Coders Do?

Medical billers and coders work closely together, but they have distinct roles.

Medical coders are like translators for medical notes. They read what doctors write about a patient’s sickness, treatments, and procedures. Then, they turn all that information into special codes (like secret numbers and letters). These codes are used by everyone in healthcare, including doctors, insurance companies, and even researchers, to understand a patient’s health story. Getting these codes right is important because wrong codes can mean that bills do not get paid.

Medical billers take those codes and create claims to send to insurance companies. Their main job is to make sure the healthcare providers get paid correctly and on time. They also follow up on claims that have not been paid, fight for claims that were denied, send bills to patients for their share, and sometimes help set up payment plans.

Together, these two roles are crucial for ensuring hospitals and clinics receive the necessary funding to continue providing care to people.

Job Outlook and Salary Potential

The job outlook for medical billing and coding professionals is strong. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data predicts that these jobs will grow much faster than average by 2033 (at 9%). This means that there are many new job openings each year. Why is it growing so much? As more people age, they require increased healthcare services, and healthcare regulations are becoming increasingly complex.

The average annual salary for medical billers and coders was about $50,250 in May 2024, according to the BLS. But if you get certified, you can often earn even more. Some experienced, certified professionals can make more than $80,950.

Our Medical Biller and Coder Certification Course

�鶹��ý � Concord’s Community College, working with ed2go, offers a complete online program to teach you everything you need to be a successful medical biller and coder. Here is a peek at what you will learn:

• Medical Terminology: Learn the special language used in medicine.
• Coding Systems: Master the main code books used for diagnoses and procedures (like ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II).
• Billing Process: Understand the full cycle of how medical bills go from the doctor’s office to getting paid.
• Insurance Types: Learn about different kinds of health insurance and how they affect billing.
• Rules & Privacy: Understand important laws like HIPAA that protect patient information.

This medical billing and coding course is put together by real experts in the field, so you know you are learning what is actually used on the job. And when you finish, you will get a voucher to take a professional certification exam, like the Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Associate (CCA), or Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS). This helps you get certified and ready to work.

Why Choose Our Online Course?

Picking �鶹��ý’s online medical billing and coding training comes with lots of great perks:

• Super Flexible: You can start the course whenever you want and learn at your own pace. No need to change your whole life. Study when it fits your schedule, day or night.
• Ready for Certification: The course is built to help you pass those important industry certification exams, which can boost your career and your pay.
• Learn from Pros: You will get to learn from experienced people who work in medical billing and coding. They will share their knowledge and guide you.
• Plenty of Resources: You will have 24/7 access to tons of online materials like digital books, practice quizzes, videos, and practice tests.
• Job Security: You will enter a growing field with lots of job openings, as healthcare is always in demand.

Take the First Step

A job in medical billing and coding offers a steady and rewarding path in the ever-growing healthcare industry. With �鶹��ý’s flexible and thorough online course, you can get the skills and certification you need to start this important role with confidence.

Ready to start your journey towards a great healthcare career? Enroll in our today! Upon enrollment, you will receive an exam voucher, ensuring you are fully prepared to take the certification exam.

Xanthi Russell, Miss New Hampshire 2025, will be competing in the national Miss America competition September 2-7. The ambitious 23-year-old accomplished 4,000+ hours in community service while simultaneously earning her associate degree in �鶹��ý-Concord Community College�s prestigious paralegal program. She graduated with honors just weeks after being crowned.

Since Miss America began in 1921, Miss New Hampshire has never won the competition. Russell hopes to be the first to bring home the crown, gaining recognition for her state and changing society�s views towards young women who value fashion alongside intellect, professional achievements, and volunteerism.

Russell was drawn to the Miss New Hampshire competition because of its purpose as a scholarship program. She has earned $61,000 through the competition and graduated debt-free from �鶹��ý in May. She made it a priority to invest these funds in the best academic opportunities available.

�Community college was a no-brainer,� said Russell, who transferred to �鶹��ý from a traditional four-year college. She found �鶹��ý�s paralegal program offered the best value for her hard-earned scholarship funds. �It was a night and day difference in how I was educated,� she said. �The education is more tailored to your needs. You�re not just a name on a roster in a class of 100 students.� She hopes the Miss America competition can help fund her future plans for a bachelor�s and law degree.

�鶹��ý also accommodated Russell�s intense competition schedule, work responsibilities, and outstanding record of 800+ volunteer hours per year. �If you make volunteering a habit, it will enrich your life,� she said after explaining that these hours accrued organically for her. �Community service is a great social outlet, and great for networking.�

Russell volunteers at local events but primarily gives back to the community by co-advising the Strafford County Youth Leadership Team, a 4-H program that she participated in as a teen. This club fostered her passions for leadership, public speaking, and volunteerism. Now she mentors students to pursue their own unique interests and find meaningful ways to give back to the community.

In preparation for the Miss America competition in early September, Russell is currently working on tap dance choreography for her talent show performance at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando. She has gone the extra mile by recording her own soundtrack for the show. �The gratitude outweighs the nerves,� she said when discussing the upcoming high-pressure environment of the national competition.

Along with preparing for the Miss America events, Russell is continuing her community service work, which she considers to be the �main part of my job as Miss New Hampshire.� She is eager to support local events and initiatives, and can be requested to attend community events at . She hopes to serve as a role model for volunteerism and be an active participant in the Granite State community.

Photo cutline: Xanthi Russell wore her Miss New Hampshire crown and sash to her graduation from �鶹��ý�s prestigious paralegal program.

�鶹��ý �鶹��ý-Concord�s Community College

�鶹��ý is a dynamic public institution of higher learning that provides accessible, rigorous education for students, businesses, and the community. We create pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and civic engagement, offering 80+ academic programs to 4,600+ students annually. �鶹��ý is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire and since 1969 has been accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, a nongovernmental, nationally recognized accrediting agency.

If you are an alum of �鶹��ý-Concord�s Community College, you are invited to come back to campus to celebrate the college�s 60^th anniversary and Homecoming Weekend on Saturday, September 20. Learn more at nhti.edu/alumni.

From energy expenses to grocery bills, it seems that no facet of life has been left untouched by rising costs of living. Is there a way to combat this upward trend when it comes to workforce education? Enter: Open Educational Resources (OERs)!

According to Patrick Tompkins, President of �鶹��ý-Concord�s Community College, OERs are �one of the more positively disruptive trends in education today.� Many businesses provide education and training to employees beyond school walls and college campuses that can be delivered with lower costs and higher impact using OERs.

This cost-effectiveness is one of the primary advantages of OERs. Traditional educational materials can be expensive, and businesses often face budget constraints when it comes to employee training and development. OERs eliminate the need for costly textbooks and proprietary course materials, allowing businesses to allocate resources more efficiently. This is particularly beneficial for small businesses that may have limited budgets for employee education.

Additionally, unlike traditional educational resources, which may not always align with a company’s unique needs, OERs can be adapted to create business/role-specific learning opportunities. These highly customizable resources are available in a multitude of formats�such as textbooks, course resources, videos, and other educational materials�that are suitable for a variety of applications.

Research has shown that the use of OERs in educational opportunities can improve learning outcomes and reduce educational costs; in fact, studies consistently find that OER and open educational practices (OEP) have a significant positive effect on learning achievement.

So, how does one find relevant OERs? Libraries are a great place to start! They typically employ information professionals, such as reference librarians, who can help connect you with OERs that meet your workforce education needs. There are also digital OER repositories that you can explore independently, such as openstax.org, oercommons.org, open.umn.edu/opentextbooks, and merlot.org.

With the help of its faculty and Learning Commons Library, �鶹��ý-Concord�s Community College has leveraged OERs against the rising cost of course materials, thus expanding our open educational opportunities to more students.

From courses in the humanities to the applied sciences, OERs are helping put higher education within the economic reach of greater Concord, and beyond. By utilizing OERs, your business can similarly provide no-cost continuing education opportunities for your employees!