mwcc.edu/HIREed | SUMMER 2015

HIREYour Guide to Higher Education and Careered Success Shopping Around Pays Off MWCC grad lands digital designer job at Google One Year, One Night a Week Introducing 5 new certificate programs for busy professionals

CBS EXEC KEVIN BERG Returns to MWCC Worldwide media career starts right here Events Adult College Experience Program (ACE) »» Providing adult students with the tools & knowledge to complete a degree or certificate

»» August 4 5:30–7:45pm Gardner Campus

»» August 11 5:30–7:45pm Gardner Campus

»» August 22 9:30am–2:30pm Gardner Campus

»» August 25 5:30–7:45pm Gardner Campus »» For more information please visit mwcc.edu/build/ace

Smart Start Registration Events »» Designed to help you navigate the enrollment process

»» For available dates & more information please visit mwcc.edu/smartstart

Summer Leadership Academy »» Get a jump start on your first semester by developing leadership skills, learning about MWCC’s resources & meeting other new students

»» August 25–26 8am–4:30pm Gardner Campus

»» For more information please visit mwcc.edu/studentlife HIREed Mission To connect students of all ages with resources and opportunities for career growth in North Central Massachusetts and New England, and to inform its readership of the specific services and programs available at Mount Wachusett Community College. For more information regarding college events, call the Office of Admissions at978-630-9110 . President, Mount Wachusett Community College: Daniel M. Asquino, Ph.D. Vice President, External Affairs, Communications & K-12 Partnerships: Lea Ann Scales Editor: Janice O’Connor Managing Editor: Sarah McMaster On the Cover Design Director: Stephanie England CBS Executive Kevin Graphic Designer: Briana Nobrega Berg returned home to Online Editor: Brett Moulton his alma mater to receive Photography: Dana Armstrong, Ed Collier, Dustin Marshall an honorary doctorate in Contributors: Jay Gearan, Marcus Altman humanities during our 50th Commencement. He was ©HIREed Magazine 2015–2016 All Rights Reserved also recognized as the 2015 MC112-02 V01 | Jun15 Alumnus of the Year. Read more about his success story MWCC seeks to provide equal educational and employment opportunities and on page 12. does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, creed, disability, genetic information, gender, marital status, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or veteran status. A message from the PRESIDENT

Mount Wachusett Community College is building for the an academic certificate in Nonprofit Management, and a future through renovations to our existing Haley Academic flexible Interdisciplinary Studies program. In this issue, Center and construction of a new, 44,000-square-foot STEM you’ll also hear from professors in our Health Information (science, technology, engineering, and math) wing, as well as Management program, and find advice on discovering career through the success of our students who are achieving their interests, applying for college, and financial aid. For more information regarding college events, career aspirations. call the Office of Admissions at978-630-9110 . I hope these articles inspire you to imagine building your In this issue, you’ll read about MWCC alumni who have future with MWCC, whether it’s through a short-term gone on to build exciting careers in their fields, including certificate, an associate degree, or one of our many noncredit Akasha Hodge, a talented digital designer now working classes. Our goal is to be part of our students’ successes in at Google, and Kevin Berg, executive vice president of building their futures though high quality education right in production for CBS Network Entertainment Group, who our own community. I invite you to visit our campuses and is bringing award-winning television programs to audiences learn more about how we can be a partner in your success! across the U.S. and around the world. You’ll also learn about students like Marciel Vargas, who is redirecting her career To your future endeavors, path through free workforce training opportunities in advanced manufacturing.

We’re excited to announce several new academic programs, including a Liberal Arts associate degree concentration in Daniel M. Asquino, Ph.D. Civic Engagement and Community Leadership, President FEATURED STORIES

6 8 12 18

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT WHERE HEALTHCARE AND 3 18 TECHNOLOGY MEET Our online program in Health Information RIGHT FIT EDUCATION RIGHT NOW Management keeps healthcare moving 5 Build a degree based on your real life circumstances 3 STEPS TO ENROLL 20 Get started at MWCC by following three SHOPPING AROUND PAYS OFF simple steps 6 MWCC grad lands digital designer job at Google FINANCIAL AID FAQs MANUFACTURING MATCH MAKING 21 Get the money you need for the education 8 New training program for in-demand you deserve manufacturing jobs FIND YOUR FIT CBS EXEC KEVIN BERG RETURNS 22 Find a program and career path based on your 12 TO MWCC personality Worldwide media career starts right here in MA CUSTOMIZE IT YOUR WAY MWCC PAYS IT FORWARD 23 Choose the when and where of your education 15 New programs in community service and civic engagement CAMPUS TRANSFORMATIONS 23 New STEM wing and renovations coming ONE YEAR, ONE NIGHT A WEEK in 2016 16 Introducing five new certificate programs for busy professionals

4 mwcc.edu/HIREed | 978-630-9110 FEATURED ARTICLE CUSTOMIZE YOUR DEGREE Evolving career interests, credit for life experience, and prior college credits CAN ADD UP TO A COLLEGE DEGREE

By Jay Gearan “Many students get frustrated after perhaps dabbling here and there in different majors, sometimes at more than one college With rapid changes in technology and new career paths, it’s or university,” Fama says. “We think their earned college course understandable that a high percentage of new college students are credits should not be wasted. And we want students to come to undecided about their majors. Yet, sometimes just a single course MWCC, make use of their past experiences, apply them toward a can steer students toward a particular career. college degree and move forward.” With this in mind, MWCC has transformed its General Studies “What I like about Interdisciplinary Studies’ is its flexibility,” associate degree program into a new approach with a new name: Fama says. “For instance, if someone wanted to study art and Interdisciplinary Studies. psychology at the same time, they can explore both and still The new program is the right fit for students whose career and be working toward a degree. Often two courses that seem quite educational goals are not yet firmly defined, and for students different have other, far-reaching connections.” n who have prior college credits and work experience that can be applied toward the degree. Interdisciplinary Studies provides a flexible curriculum, allowing students to explore a variety of WONDERING HOW YOUR interests among different disciplines. With program completion, students are prepared to transfer to a four-year college or EXPERIENCES & PRIOR university to complete a baccalaureate degree. CREDITS ADD UP? The Interdisciplinary Studies program offers students the Contact us to find out if you are eligible to opportunity to explore interests while completing a core acquire credit for what you already know. curriculum for transfer. Students will gain knowledge in math, science, the humanities, social sciences, and other disciplines. To request more information: “We’re excited about this change,” says Dr. Melissa Fama, MWCC Vice President of Academic Affairs. “The name Interdisciplinary 978-630-9110 Studies better reflects the intent of the program.” mwcc.edu/priorlearning Another important component of the Interdisciplinary Studies program is the opportunity to apply previous college, work, or life [email protected] experiences toward the degree. As in the former General Studies Subject Line: Interdisciplinary Studies program, students are still required to attain at least half of their credits at MWCC to earn an associate degree.

mwcc.edu/HIREed | 978-630-9110 5 SEARCH Optimization MWCC grad’s career quest leads to dream job at Google

By Janice O’Connor

The son of a traveling software salesman, Akasha S. Hodge has lived around the country his entire life. Massachusetts, however, was never really part of the plan.

Yet when he stopped in the Bay State to earn an associate degree from Mount Wachusett Community College, his varied talents, interests and life experiences converged with academic training and put him on a path that led to where he is today: senior designer for customer marketing at Google.

“This is a dream job. I work with the brightest of the brightest,” says the former Fitchburg resident, who graduated in 2006 with a degree in Computer Graphic Design, a program that has since evolved into Graphic & Interactive Design. “Google is the kind of place where every day I’m working with a lot of different types of people, with a lot of different backgrounds, and everyone brings The professors have something new to the plate. To be a part of it is really exciting to me.” real life experience

By the time he arrived at MWCC in 2005, Hodge had already and always want spent a few years in art school in Arizona, in music school in London, working with computers and technology in music their students to production, and dabbling in self-taught graphic design in Maine. His move to North Central Massachusetts came at a succeed. I’m an time when he was craving higher education, he says. example of that and “I shopped around at different schools to see what was going on. My goal was to look at the portfolios on the website, and I’m forever grateful if they were inspiring and motivated me, I would talk to the institutions. I was totally underwhelmed by what I saw - to the Mount. until I went to the Mount.”

6 mwcc.edu/HIREed | 978-630-9110 Hodge toured the college’s graphic design studio with When his partner, Benjamin Vital III, who is also a designer, department Chair Leslie Cullen, and was impressed with accepted a job offer in Philadelphia, Hodge’s experience the technology as well as the dedicated faculty. and skills allowed him to pick up in the new city as a freelancer working for a financial firm. Most recently, “I remember being really impressed with how state-of-the- he worked for Barclaycard, and designed its American art the department was. I felt I wanted something smaller, Airlines AAdvantage Aviator Business Master Card. with more attention between students and teachers.” Hodge says the convenience of attending a nearby school, In May 2014, the couple moved to the San Francisco Bay the value derived from the low tuition, and the fact that Area and began working as freelancers and landing jobs many of his credits from other colleges transferred into the through a staffing agency. program made the decision easy. “The tech boom happening in the Bay Area is massive and “I just dove into it. I spent day-in and day-out in the studio, there is a huge call for digital designers here,” says Hodge, working from home, and completely immersed in the who was born in the region. He took the time to focus on design program. I loved it and I loved all my professors. his own image by revamping his portfolio and his website, I think that’s why the program is so successful. The www.circa78.co. Building up his LinkedIn profile was professors have real life experience and always want their also a necessity. students to succeed. I’m an example of that and I’m forever “I cannot stress enough the importance of your online grateful to the Mount.” presence, especially on LinkedIn. It really is your online After graduating from MWCC, Hodge moved to New York résumé. I was able to form a lot of relationships and City and launched his career. He posted his résumé online contacts by having things current, and job opportunities and was selected for a project by a company soon after. came from that.”

“The next thing you know, I’m in New York in a SoHo loft And that’s how, in January of this year, a recruiter from talking to a creative director. Within a month, my life had Google found Hodge. Initially brought in to the company changed. I had a cool job, I got an apartment.” At Dialogue as a contractor, he is now a full-time employee at one of the Direct, Hodge worked as an advertising, marketing, and world’s largest global corporations. graphics coordinator. “It’s kind of the hot place to be right now. They’re picking When the national economy tanked a year and a half later, talent that can move things forward. I was here at the right he was laid off, but the experience opened a new door as time, at the right place, with the right training.” n a freelancer. Working with headhunters and recruitment agencies, Hodge landed jobs with varied companies and industries. INTERESTED IN STUDYING “These recruitment agencies are great because they shop GRAPHIC & INTERACTIVE you around to different companies and put you in front of DESIGN? the companies.” Do what Akasha did and take a tour of MWCC’s One of those companies turned out to be insurance giant design lab and speak with professors. MetLife, where he worked for six months as a freelancer.

“Every piece of collateral, everything that was asked of me, To request more information: I had learned in college. I remember being very confident 978-630-9110 with everything, from the concept and pre-press to getting a project out the door,” he says. mwcc.edu/gid

“I could curate my portfolio depending on where I wanted [email protected] to land, and show an array of different styles and work. It Subject Line: GID Tour was like throwing a wide net into the world, and it seemed to work because a lot of people were responding.”

mwcc.edu/HIREed | 978-630-9110 7 Free Training Job Availability New Career

By Janice O’Connor Over the next year, the six-week Industry Manufacturing Readiness Program and the two-week With an upswing in manufacturing Quality Systems Training program will jobs anticipated in the coming decade Training be offered free to qualifying students in Massachusetts, isn’t it time you put through a Trade Adjustment Assistance yourself on a successful career path with Program Community College and Career Training opportunities for advancement? (TAACCCT) grant the college received Includes Recent graduates of Mount Wachusett from the U.S. Department of Labor, Community College’s Industry Readiness Employment & Training Administration. Training program took that step, and Employer- Developed with industry partners at the end of their six-week course, met to prepare students for entry-level some special guests – their potential Employee to mid-level jobs in the local, diverse employers. Recruiters and human resource advanced manufacturing industry, the professionals from Nypro, Bemis Matchmaking Industry Readiness Training program Associates, Injectronics, RockTenn, is designed especially for unemployed and Boutwell Owens joined college or underemployed adults, veterans officials to congratulate the men and and recent high school graduates. women of varied ages and backgrounds Students gain skills required for entry- who are preparing for a new career in the level employment in positions such as growing manufacturing industry. technicians in manufacturing, validation, Julie Crowley, regional manager of the quality control, documentation, and federal grant funding the training, says process operations, as well as the the matchmaking between employers opportunity to further advance in their and employees is one feature of the training and career. program that supports both job seekers and industries looking to hire skilled employees. continued

8 mwcc.edu/HIREed | 978-630-9110 FEATURED ARTICLE

READY TO START FREE TRAINING FOR A NEW CAREER? Register with one of our Career Development Coaches for one of our training sessions listed below: Industry Readiness Training • Six-week, 180-hour course • Begins July 20 & September 28 Quality Systems Training • Two-week, 40-hour course • Begins September 14 & November 9

To request more information: 978-630-9883

Christian Reifsteck [email protected] Meghan Koslowski [email protected] Subject Line: Training Registration

RELATED CREDIT PROGRAMS CERTIFICATES Analytical Laboratory & Quality Systems Biotechnology/Biomanufacturing Mechatronics ASSOCIATE DEGREES Marciel Vargas trains on MWCC’s new equipment in the Biotechnology/Biomanufacturing Manufacturing Workforce Certification Center at the Biotechnology - Analytical Laboratory & Quality Systems college’s Devens campus. Manufacturing Technology - Plastics

mwcc.edu/HIREed | 978-630-9110 9 The sessions include training in basic her family, and began working part-time ENHANCING SKILLS OF machines and robotics, measurement as a tax preparer. When her children techniques, electronics, Lean, Six Sigma, entered school, Vargas decided it was time INCUMBENT WORKERS Work Keys, quality/clean room processes, to re-enter the workforce. In addition to MWCC’s advanced manufacturing training programs blueprint reading, and success skills. gaining employment, her goal is to become aren’t just for industry newcomers. Many corporations, Graduates earn an MWCC Certificate licensed in industrial engineering in such as Injectronics, a medical device manufacturer of Completion, an OSHA 10-hour Safety Massachusetts within two years. She said with modern facilities in Clinton and Westborough, Certification and the National Career she considers the MWCC training program have discovered the benefits for incumbent workers. Readiness Certificate, while learning an important rung in the ladder to get “We’re growing, but the employee base for about working in the fast-growing there. manufacturing has shrunk,” explains Chief Operating manufacturing field. Officer Michael Simmons. “This training program “I enjoy the challenge of the work. I like to provides an important component for developing skills Additionally, MWCC’s Quality Systems make things and there’s a variety of things to create an experienced workforce.” Training program is a two-week, 40-hour, you can do in manufacturing,” says Vargas, non-credit training course that prepares who has since been hired by a large, Earlier this year, the company sent employee Stephen students for jobs in Quality Assurance international manufacturing company. Lombardozzi to two components of MWCC’s Industry and Quality Control for a variety of “Even though you may be working on one Readiness Training program – blueprint reading and manufacturing industries, including specific product, there are a lot of things quality systems training – so they could promote him biopharmaceutical processing, and going on in the process.” n to fill a more advanced quality position. medical device manufacturing. “My time spent at the Devens campus was enlightening,” says Lombardozzi, who was promoted The short-term programs are designed to to Quality Layout Technician following his training. allow students to further their education “The instructors were knowledgeable and experienced. in advanced programs, such as MWCC’s They understood the material and have used that new academic certificate and associate information in the field, conveying the importance of degree programs in Analytical Laboratory practical application. Every lesson included real life & Quality Systems, as well as earn examples to reiterate what was being taught.” transferrable credits toward a bachelor’s degree. In its pristine facility, Injectronics manufactures a variety of medical device products with applications “We know this isn’t about just getting a in diagnostic screening, patient monitoring, job,” Crowley says. “This is about building endoscopic surgery, and defibrillation. a career path.” “We’re developing these diagnostic products and Following stints in restaurants and want to make sure they are perfect,” Simmons says. lumberyards, plumbing and some “We act as if we’re making them for tests that will be manufacturing, Shane Murray of done on our own family members. It puts a different perspective on quality.” Dedication to quality, delivery, Fitchburg enrolled in the program to gain and continuous improvement to serve the medical training and certification to build a career. needs of people worldwide are at the heart of the “I just needed a change and this was the company’s work. perfect thing I needed. I’m glad I made this decision.”

Marciel Vargas, of Fitchburg, worked in textile manufacturing in the Dominican Republic and holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from her native country. After moving to the U.S. a decade Following layoffs where he worked, Bill Cohan ago, she honed her English skills, raised of Westford enrolled in the Industry Readiness Stephen Lombardozzi program to retrain in a new field.

10 mwcc.edu/HIREed | 978-630-9110 FOR THANK YOU YOUR SERVICE

EASING THE TRANSITION FROM SOLDIER TO STUDENT At MWCC veterans receive: • Textbook loans • Assistance with veteran benefits AYO NEWUR • Dedicated space & services • Peer mentoring and tutoring For more information visit mwcc.edu/veteran or contact Robert Mayer, FUTURESTART Director of Veteran Services at 978-630-9408 or [email protected]

center of excellence for veteran student success

Did you know MWCC offers + 100 annual scholarship opportunities

FIND FUNDS THAT FIT mwcc.edu/financial/scholarships CBS EXECUTIVE Kevin Berg returns to where his career began: MWCC By Janice O’Connor

12 mwcc.edu/HIREed | 978-630-9110 FEATURED ARTICLE

CBS executive Kevin Berg, a Gardner “Our students have gone on to build “The facilities and technology available native in charge of bringing award- successful careers in a wide range of at the Mount were phenomenal, so I had winning television programs to fields,” says President Daniel M. Asquino. a jump on the technology side,” says Berg, audiences across the U.S. and around “But it’s rare to have one whose work has who enrolled in September 1982. the world, recently returned to where an impact on our lives every day of the The skills he gained at MWCC helped his career began: Mount Wachusett week.” him land an internship at WNEV TV Community College. The facilities and Channel 7 in Boston (now WHDH), which Berg returned to his home town ordinarily went to graduates of four-year and alma mater in May to technology available schools. When the station’s production deliver the keynote address at MWCC’s manager abruptly quit, Berg was hired for 50th Commencement, where he was also at the Mount were the job and worked on a short-lived, live, presented with an honorary doctorate daily show called New England Afternoon. in Humanities and received the 2015 phenomenal. After the show ended, Berg packed up and Alumnus of the Year Award. moved to Los Angeles in 1984 and started knocking on doors, résumé in hand, to find “It’s a great feeling to return to the Mount A graduate of Gardner High School, Berg a job in television. after so many years,” says Berg, who held typical jobs as a teenager, including studied communications and broadcasting On the fourth day, he walked into housekeeping at Heywood Hospital, from 1982 to 1984. “As I walked through award-winning director Marty Pasetta’s waiting tables at a restaurant during the campus, so many memories were company, and was subsequently hired as summers in Maine, and working at a rekindled. It was here at the Mount I first a production coordinator. Over the next Gardner furniture factory. realized television was in my blood.” five years, he was consecutively promoted One day, bored while sanding lacquer off while working with Pasetta on the As executive vice president of production the grips on the bottom of chairs, he began Academy Awards, the Primetime Emmys, for CBS Network Entertainment Group, thinking about his future. He decided to Disney specials, and an assortment of Berg is responsible for production on visit his local community college, but had variety shows featuring A-list talent. all CBS properties with the exception of no idea which career to pursue. While news and sports. He has been intimately He shifted gears to series television in 1989 touring the college, he ran into a family involved with the launch and continuing and produced multiple award-winning friend – Frank Hirons, one of MWCC’s success of the hit CSI and NCIS franchises; series such as In Living Color, Tracy Takes early administrators - who encouraged Blue Bloods; Criminal Minds; Elementary; On… and The News Hole, prior to joining him to take up television production in the Extant; The Good Wife; Hawaii Five-O; Nancy Tellem, then-president of CBS, in college’s modern production studios. Madam Secretary; Scorpion; the Amazing the summer of 1998.

; ; ; Race Survivor The Odd Couple Under continued the Dome; Beauty and the Beast; America’s Next Top Model; Under Cover Boss; The President Asquino presents commencement speaker Late Show; The Late, Late Show; several Kevin Berg with the 2015 Alumnus of the Year Award. game shows and countless others.

At CBS, he is fiscally responsible for all production costs and schedules and oversees spending in excess of $1.5 billion annually. He is also responsible for worldwide production, including productions located in the United States, Canada, Malta, Israel, South Africa, and Jordan.

mwcc.edu/HIREed | 978-630-9110 13 “I rose up the ranks pretty quickly,” Berg board, which places and trains aspiring former broadcasting and communications recalls. “It is drive, determination and assistant directors on existing feature and professor, Dr. Vincent Ialenti, now Dean of desire – the three D’s. I’ve worked with so television productions. Academic and Institutional Technology. many phenomenal people.” “We are very fortunate that Kevin kept in “MWCC will always hold a special place in Berg, whose family co-owned the former touch over the years, so we were able to my heart,” Berg says. n Columbus & Berg construction company follow his success in Hollywood,” says his in Gardner, met his wife, Donna, while working on In Living Color. The couple has two sons and two daughters.

He is actively involved with multiple charities that protect and invest in the lives of children, and with establishing and producing neighborhood and community activities and events. He served a four- year term on the Board of Directors for the Entertainment Industries Foundation, the lead philanthropic nonprofit in the entertainment industry, helping it grow from an annual $10 million charitable During a recent visit to MWCC, Berg toured the media arts studios with his former professor, fund to $100 million. He currently serves Dr. Vincent Ialenti, now Dean of Academic and on the Directors Guild of America’s Institutional Technology. Directors Guild-Producer Training Plan

INTERESTED IN A MWCC’s Media CAREER IN MEDIA ARTS Arts & Technology degree offers & TECHNOLOGY? concentrations Come see our state-of-the-art studios, which feature a large in Audio Engineering, format mixing console for digitally mixing audio with video, Video/Film a high definition control room, and HD video cameras and Production and Photography. editing systems. Department Chair John Little, who is also proprietor of Up-Side Sound Recording Studio in Ashburnham, has worked as a To request more information: sound engineer in corporate video and for network-level television and radio. His 978-630-9110 broadcast credits include: Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight, The mwcc.edu/programs Disney Channel, The Discovery Channel, Extra, Inside Edition, Paramount Pictures, [email protected] and National Public Radio. Subject Line: MRT Inquiry

14 mwcc.edu/HIREed | 978-630-9110 PAY IT FORWARD with a Career in Community Service John Day, Kat Craigen,& Cathy Teague

By Marcus Altman This new program is all about “getting Eubanks played students prepared for careers that major roles in developing these Do you like helping others? Mount make a positive impact in their greater new programs. Soucy offered this advice Wachusett Community College is community,” says Fagan Forhan, MWCC to all students, “Put theory into practice launching two new programs for students Director of Experiential Learning and make the world a better place while who want to turn their passion for Opportunities and Civic Engagement, and pursuing a meaningful and successful community service into a career. Director of the college’s Center for Civic career.” MWCC’s new Liberal Arts & Sciences Learning and Community Engagement. His adage is a microcosm of the mindset concentration in Civic Engagement and “When they graduate from MWCC, of not only the new program offerings, Community Leadership focuses on current students will have the networks in place to but also of MWCC as a whole. The college social, political, and economic issues and is make a difference and build careers.” is recognized for its civic leadership at designed for students interested the local, state, and national levels. This in social responsibility in the Put theory into practice year, the Carnegie Foundation for the nonprofit sector. In addition, Advancement of Teaching renewed the college has added a new and make the world MWCC’s Community Engagement elective academic certificate in Nonprofit a better place while classification, which is essentially an Management to its program accreditation of civic engagement at an offerings. pursuing a meaningful institution. According to the Bureau of Labor and successful career. MWCC has also been named to the Statistics, employment of social and President’s Higher Education Honor community service managers is projected As an alternative to the associate degree, Roll for Community Service, a national to grow 21% in Massachusetts from 2012 students may achieve a certificate in designation the college has held since the to 2022, faster than the average for all Nonprofit Management in as little as one honor roll was established in 2006. n occupations. academic year. This program consists of nine courses, including small business Through the community leadership management, introduction to human BUILD YOUR WORLD degree concentration, students acquire the services, introduction to grant writing, and & YOUR CAREER skills, wisdom, and knowledge needed to elective courses, such as business ethics, make a difference in the vibrancy of their communication for business and industry, Attend the discussion group “Pay it Forward with a Career in Community Service” communities and the world. In addition, or introduction to law. this program meets the requirements • July 22 at 2pm for the MassTransfer block agreement, Assistant Professor of Philosophy • Room 257, Gardner campus which makes it a good fit for students Daniel Soucy, who planning to transfer to a four-year college holds the Endowed Unable to Attend? Contact Daniel Soucy: or university. The subject matter of this Faculty Chair position in concentration is relevant to most four- MWCC’s Center for Civic 978-630-9476 year degree programs, from economics to Learning and Community philosophy. Engagement, and Assistant [email protected] Professor of Business Elmer Subject Line: Pay it Forward

mwcc.edu/HIREed | 978-630-9110 15 INTRODUCING New one-year certificate programs for busy professionals Classes held one night a week at the Leominster campus

Enroll in one of our new As a certificate student, programs: benefit from: • Hospitality • Dedicated academic • Small Business Managment success coach • Office Assistant • Priority registration • Nonprofit Management • Easy-to-schedule: All classes fall on • Human Services Tuesday nights

Learn more: mwcc.edu/build/oneyear Classes held one night a week at the Leominster campus

YOYOURUR CAREERFUTURE Who Keeps HEALTHCARE MOVING? By Sarah McMaster GET TO KNOW YOUR PROFESSORS Health Information Administrator) and RHIT (Registered Health Information If you have ever imagined a career that Mount Wachusett Community College Technician) credentialed from brings together healthcare and technology, HIM instructors are seasoned professionals the American Health Information then Mount Wachusett Community with real-world experience and the Management Association, a nationally College’s Health Information Management compassion and heart to make this recognized credential. (HIM) associate degree may be a perfect fit experience come alive for students. for you. HIM program students are self- Mary Jo Bowie, MS, BS, AAS, directed, self-motivated and comfortable RHIA, RHIT, is the director of Recruiters are online with complicated systems. If you MWCC’s Health Information have limited time for on-campus classes constantly calling for Management and Medical and are comfortable with online learning, Coding programs. She’s also Health Information then it’s definitely a career path worth author of the text book: exploring. Management Essentials of Health Information HIM may sound like a strictly healthcare Management: Principles and professionals as well related field at first, but it is so much more. Practices. as newly credentialed It encompasses Information Technology She has served as an instructor (IT) and computers, as well as people students. in the Health Information skills. In positions at acute care facilities, Technology field for more for example, graduates learn about than 20 years and has over 30 years of As one of the HIM program’s newest servers and infrastructure. This is a huge consulting experience in various types instructors, Lou Ann Decker is not only opportunity for career development and of health care organizations. But, Bowie an example of dedicated faculty, but a definite milestone in career growth and is more than the sum of her impressive she is also a student success story. She applied learning. credentials and education. She is an holds an Associate Degree in Medical New federal laws will make a full engaging instructor that students credit Records Technology from Broome transition to electronic records mandatory, with providing inspiration and career Community College in Binghamton, and there are still not enough trained guidance. She has also facilitated national NY as well as RHIT (Registered Health workers to fill this new demand. HIM is trainings on ICD 10 coding, the system Information Technician) credentials an in-demand field with excellent job that allows healthcare workers to generate from the American Health Information prospects and flexible training available a claim or bill for a patient. Management Association. right here in central Massachusetts. Professor Bowie holds an Associate Q: What is your basic teaching This need for skilled HIM employees is Degree in Medical Records Technology philosophy? projected to continue for the next ten from Broome Community College in years, making an investment in your Mary Jo: I provide a learning experience Binghamton, NY; a Bachelor’s Degree education now a smart move that will pay that allows students to go right from the in Health Information Management off with a career path. classroom into the HIM field. We cover from Ithaca College; a Master’s Degree more than theory. This is hands-on; a in Health Service Administration from bridge into a career. the New School for Social Research in New York City; RHIA (Registered FACULTY/STAFF PROFILE

Lou Ann: My philosophy is to create Lastly, medical documentation scribes the opportunity for students to pull are in-demand and our HIM program themselves up from whatever challenges prepares students for entry into this they face and help them better their lives position. Medical documentation and careers. scribes shadow the physician and scribe the coding in real time for Q: What are the up and coming jobs hospitals, doctors offices, and in HIM? primary care facilities. This Mary Jo: There are so many, and recruiters allows doctors to focus on are constantly calling for Health the patient and care, and Information Management professionals allow trained professionals as well as newly credentialed students. to worry about the Jobs include medical coders in doctor documentation. offices, hospitals, and clinics. Clinical Lou Ann: There is a fit documentation improvement specialists for everyone within the are another interesting option. They HIM field. n interact with health care providers like nurses and doctors, and often spend time going out on the floor to where health care is being provided.

Point of service coders are another upcoming opportunity. These positions are typically embedded in an emergency setting to observe triage and health care to ensure coding and billing accuracy.

INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT? Visit our campus and take a tour. Learn more about the certificate and degree options that are in high demand in healthcare right now.

To request more information: 978-630-9110 mwcc.edu/programs [email protected] Subject Line: HIM Inquiry 1 2 3 APPLY TEST REGISTER Schedule a college placement ADMISSION test appointment by registering SMART START EVENT Online: mwcc.edu/apply online at mwcc.edu/testing or Receive academic advice and Paper: Stop by any campus by calling: register for classes. You will or download an application at meet with advisors to develop a mwcc.edu/apply Gardner: 978-630-9244 comprehensive educational plan Fax: 978-630-9554 Leominster: 978-630-9812 and review support services. Devens: 978-630-9569 Reserve Your Seat: mwcc.edu/smartstart FINANCIAL AID College Transcripts: Online: fafsa.gov If you attended a prior Complete the Free Application institution, send transcript(s) to: for Federal Student Aid MWCC, Records Office (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. Need 444 Green Street help? Call the Educational Gardner, MA 01440 Opportunity Center at Email: [email protected] 978-630-9823. Fax: 978-630-9554

HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS ACADEMIC ADVISORS Admissions: Health Services: North Central Gardner: Devens: 978-630-9110 978-630-9136 Educational 978-630-9109 978-630-9569 Financial Aid: Student Accounts: Opportunity Center: Leominster: 978-630-9169 978-630-9149 978-630-9823 978-630-9812

20 mwcc.edu/HIREed | 978-630-9110 FEATURED ARTICLE Paying for college, while juggling family, jobs and other responsibilites, is a COLLEGE IS critical issue for students, whether they’re just starting out or changing careers. That’s why more than 8 million students across the country choose community colleges, the most affordable post-secondary education available for obtaining a AFFORDABLE: degree or academic certificate. At MWCC, we believe going to college should be within everyone’s reach. We also realize paying for college is a concern for everyone. Here are answers to some of DEMYSTIFYING the most frequently asked financial aid questions:

FINANCIAL AID What is financial aid? number of factors including family Financial aid is money provided by income, the size of your family and federal, state and college sources to number of family members Practical financial help students pay their expenses while attending college. attending college. In general, all U.S. aid tips to help Complete the FAFSA online at citizens and eligible non-citizens who fafsa.gov and follow the on-screen are enrolled in an approved degree you get the instructions. money you need or certificate program are eligible to receive some type of financial When do I apply? assistance. for the education File as soon as you can, even if you are unsure about your college plans. If I receive financial aid now, do I you deserve. Meeting financial aid deadlines is need to pay the money back later? important, however, even if you have There are many grant and scholarship missed a deadline, you should still programs available that offer “free apply as soon as you decide to attend money” that does not have to be repaid. college. Other financial aid programs are in the form of low interest loans that do Missing information letter require repayment, but only after the Some financial aid applications are student has stopped attending school. selected for a verification process. Students who are required to complete How can I get financial assistance this process will receive a “missing if I’m not even sure how to apply? information” letter once the MWCC Applying for financial aid can Financial Aid office receives your be confusing. At MWCC, many results. The letter will indicate the workshops are offered to assist forms you will need to submit to Watch FAQ Videos: students with the online application complete your file. A financial aid mwcc.edu/financial process. There is also one-on-one award determination cannot be made assistance available through the North until all required documents are Central Educational Opportunity submitted. Center (NCEOC), located at our Leominster Campus. Award letter Award information is made available I’m not sure I qualify. Should I to students 24/7 using the online self complete the Free Application for service system called WebConnect. Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)? An email is sent to the MWCC student Yes. The best way to determine what email account once the file has been funds you qualify for is by completing reviewed and packaged. For more information: this free application. Your financial eligibility will be determined by a 978-630-9169

mwcc.edu/HIREed | 978-630-9110 21 Enroll for fall classes today: mwcc.edu/build/future

ü Analytical ü Adventurous ü Technology driven ü Self directed ü Inquisitive ü Problem solver

IF YOU ARE... YOU MIGHT CHOOSE: Analytical Lab & Quality Systems, Automotive Technology, Biological Science / Chemical Sciences, Biotechnology/ Biomanufacturing, Computer Information Systems, Energy Management, Natural Resources, Manufacturing Technology - Plastics, Physics or Pre-Engineering, Pre-Pharmacy

ü Creative ü Motivated Analytical Lab & Quality Systems, Automotive Technology, Biotechnology/Biomanufacturing, Energy Management, ü Original ü Visual Cyber Security, IT Support Specialist, Manufacturing Technology - Mechatronics YOU MIGHT CHOOSE: Art, Audio Engineering, Graphic & Interactive ü Enthusiastic ü Adaptable Design, Media Arts & Technology, Photography, Theatre Arts, Video/Film ü Compassionate ü Friendly

Graphic & Interactive Design, Photography YOU MIGHT CHOOSE: Civic Engagement & Community Leadership, Nursing ü Adaptable Nonprofit Management, Patient Care, Practical Nurse ü A team player ü Problem solver Certified Nursing Assistant Training, Phlebotomy ü Understanding ü Cool under pressure ü Enthusiastic ü Disciplined ü Caring ü Inquisitive YOU MIGHT CHOOSE: ü Creative ü Expressive Criminal Justice, Fire Science Technology, History & Political Science, Human Services, Legal Studies YOU MIGHT CHOOSE: Law Enforcement, Human Services Technician, Paralegal Civic Engagement & Community Leadership, Communications, Early Emergency Medical Technician Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Exercise & Sport Science, History & Political Science, Interdisciplinary Studies, Liberal Arts & Sciences, Theatre Arts

Nonprofit Management

ü Organized ü Assertive ü Compassionate ü Technical ü Patient ü Dedicated

YOU MIGHT CHOOSE: ü Self-motivated ü Organized Allied Health, Complementary Heathcare, Dental Hygiene, ü Goal oriented ü Analytical Exercise & Sport Science, Health Information Management, Interdisciplinary Studies, Medical Assisting, Medical Lab Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant

YOU MIGHT CHOOSE: Allied Health, Complementary Heathcare, Dental Assisting, Accounting, Business Administration Medical Coding, Medical Assisting, Medical Office, Personal Training Accounting/Bookkeeper, Hospitality, Business Administration, Office Assistant, Small Business Management Radiologic Technologist Articulation Agreement

To learn more about all of MWCC’s academic programs and gainful employment information, please visit mwcc.edu/programs. AA/EEO Institution | IP278-07 KEY Associate Degrees Certificates Other (Non-Degree or Certificate) 22 mwcc.edu/HIREed | 978-630-9110 Classes are offered during the day & evening CHOOSE YOUR WHEN & WHERE at four convenient 100+ Options to Choose From locations & online GARDNER 444 Green St. Gardner, MA 01440 978-630-9110 LEOMINSTER 100 Erdman Way Leominster, MA 01453 978-630-9810 7:15 8:00 2:30 9:00 DEVENS Topics 10:30 Lab Online ESL English 101 Devens One Jackson Place Campus 27 Jackson Rd. Leominster Dental Science Gardner Devens, MA 01434 Campus Fitchburg Campus 978-630-9569 Campus FITCHBURG (Dental Only) 326 Nichols Rd. Fitchburg, MA 01420 978-878-8564

ADVANCEMENTS FOR NEW LABORATORY 6 7 8 9 STUDENTS AND FACULTY: TECHNOLOGY: S T E M • Eight new classrooms & • Projection microscopes SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING MATH 15 15 15 15 laboratories with 60” flat screens • Five lab prep rooms • Atomic absorption & • Two student study infrared spectrometers BUILDING spaces • Nuclear magnetic • Enhanced audio/visual resonance equipment equipment • Laser physics COMING IN 2016 analysis lab • Wireless capabilities

mwcc.edu/renovations

mwcc.edu/HIREed | 978-630-9110 23 Non Profit Org US Postage PAID 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440 MWCC

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ASSOCIATE DEGREES Accounting Concentration (BACA) ©« Energy Management (EGD) Allied Health Concentration (IDSH) © Exercise & Sports Science Track (LAX) © Art (ART) Fire Science Technology (FS) « Art Concentration (LART) Graphic & Interactive Design (GID) Audio Engineering Concentration (MRTA) © Health Information Management (HIM) v « Automotive Technology (ATD) History & Political Science Track (LAHP) ©« Biological Science Track (LAB) Human Services (HS) « Biotechnology-Analytical Laboratory & Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) « Quality Systems Concentration (BTDQ) Legal Studies (includes Paralegal) (LAW) « Biotechnology/Biomanufacturing (BTD) Liberal Arts & Sciences (LAS) « Business Administration—Career (BAC) « Manufacturing Technology—Plastics (PT) Business Administration—Transfer (BA) « Media Arts & Technology (MRT) Chemical Science Track (LACH) Medical Assisting (MAS) Civic Engagement & Community Leadership Track (LACE) Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) v Communications Track (LAC) ©« Natural Resources (NRD) UR Complementary Health Care (CHD) Nursing (NU) (NUE) (NUP) v YOYOUR Computer Information Systems (CIS) Photography Concentration (MRTP) © Criminal Justice—Corrections (CJCD) © Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) v Criminal Justice—Law Enforcement (CJL) © Physics or Pre-engineering Track (LAEP) © Dental Hygiene (DHY) v Pre-Pharmacy Track (LAPH) Early Childhood Education—Career (ECC) Theatre Arts Track (LAT) © Early Childhood Education—Transfer (ECT) Video/Film Concentration (MRTV) © FUTUREFUTURE Elementary Education Track (LAEL) © CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS Accounting/Bookkeeping (CAA) Law Enforcement (CJLC) Allied Health (AHC) Manufacturing Technology - Mechatronics (PMTC) Campuses Analytical Laboratory & Quality Systems (ALQC) Medical Assisting (MASC) Automotive Technology (ATC) Medical Coding (MCC) « Gardner Leominster Biotechnology/Biomanufacturing (BTC) Medical Office (MOC) Business Administration (BUC) « Nonprofit Management (BNPC) 444 Green Street 100 Erdman Way Complementary Health Care (CHC) Office Assistant (OAC) « Gardner, MA 01440 Leominster, MA 01453 Cyber Security (CSC) Paralegal (LAWC) « 978-630-9110 978-630-9810 Dental Assisting (DAC) v Patient Care (PCC) Energy Management (EGC) Personal Training (PTC) Graphic & Interactive Design (GIDC) Photography–Professional (PHO) Devens Fitchburg Hospitality (HRM) Practical Nurse (PN) v One Jackson Place (Dental Only) Human Service Technician (HSC) « Small Business Management (SBC) IT Support Specialist (ITC) « 27 Jackson Road 326 Nichols Road Devens, MA 01434 Fitchburg, MA 01420 OTHER NON-DEGREE OPTIONS 978-630-9569 978-878-8564 Certified Nursing Assistant Training Phlebotomy Training Emergency Medical Technician Training Radiologic Technologist Articulation Agreement v

Programs are continually evaluated, changed, and added. To learn more about all of MWCC’s academic programs and gainful employment information, please visit mwcc.edu/programs. mwcc.edu/HIREed © Degree concentration v Selective program « Program offered 85–100% online Please note: Concentrations appear on diplomas and transcripts; tracks do not.