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Fast Track Career Programs

Gain employability skills, build your resume, or start a new career today!

Put your career on the fast track to success with one of our in-demand career programs. Each Fast Track program results in valuable, industry-specific certification designed to meet local employers’ requirements.

Fast Track students gain exclusive access to Michigan Learning & Education Advancement Program (MiLEAP) grants, which cover partial or full course tuition. Additional financial support is available through the NCMC Foundation.

You'll also be connected with local instructors who have virtual office hours, and when you finish your program, we'll assist you with job placement.

Stand out from the competition. Start today and quickly get on your way with North Central’s Fast Track career programs!

 

CNC Machine

CNC Operator

  • 80 hours of online courses 
  • 35 hours of in-person, hands-on training
  • CNC Operator certification

The online CNC Operator course provides students with the knowledge and skills to prove competency and quickly begin a new career as a CNC operator.  Gain an intensive overview of the skills necessary to oversee the daily functions of manufacturing machinery, from performing diagnostic tests to programming, monitoring and inspecting machines. Begin this on-demand program as soon as you’re ready!

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Christy Lyons

Questions? I can help!

Christy Lyons
Dean of Corporate and Community Education
clyons1@ncmich.edu
231-348-6822

vials of blood

Phlebotomy Technician

  • Three weeks of online classes
  • In-person skills testing
  • One-week, in-person externship
 

Phlebotomy technicians perform one of the most widely needed duties in healthcare settings: drawing blood from patients. Fully certified phlebotomy technicians work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, diagnostic labs, nursing homes and dialysis centers. Students will take the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification exam in person on North Central's Petoskey campus.

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medical records

Electronic Health Records Specialist

  • 8-week* online program
  • Potential externship opportunity
  • Assistance with job placement
 

Learn the skills required to become a Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) through the National Healthcareers Association (NHA). Course topics include charting, HIPAA compliance, electronic health record management, insurance and billing.

*Completion time may vary by student.

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picture of a pharmacist

Certified Pharmacy Technician

  • 400 hours of online training
  • 100-hour optional externship with a local pharmacy
 

Gain the skills and hands-on training necessary to assist pharmacists in processing and filling prescriptions at retail pharmacies. After completing online classes, students will apply for an externship at a local pharmacy before graduating from the program. Students will also prepare to sit for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).

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person taking blood pressure of a patient

Medical Assistant Bundle

  • 20-week, online program resulting in three certifications: Clinical Medical Assistant, EKG Technician and Phlebotomy Technician
  • Three days of in-person skills testing
  • 80-hour externship

Medical assistants are multiskilled allied healthcare professionals who specialize in procedures commonly performed in a healthcare setting. They perform clinical and administrative duties to assist physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

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dental assistant

Clinical Dental Assistant

This 9-week program includes:

  • 64 hours of in-person training
  • Interactive sessions and hands-on training
  • 40 hour externship at a local dental office
 

Dental Assistants are an important part of the dental team delivering oral health care to patients. This course will provide a comprehensive overview of all aspects of dental assisting from clerical to clinical, giving students the basic skills to build upon for a successful dental career. 

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CNA caring for an elderly person

Certified Nurse Aide

This 2-week program includes:

  • 75 hours of in-person training
  • Textbook and workbook
  • Interactive sessions and hands-on training
  • Assistance with grant opportunities to cover tuition
  • Access to communication with qualified instructors
  • Exam preparation
  • Assistance with job placement
CNA classes are an excellent choice for students who want to enter the field of nursing and earn valuable healthcare experience in a relatively fast and cost-effective way.
In partnership with Bay Bluffs.
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woman holding medication

Certified Medication Aide

This six-week class is divided into three parts, and includes:

  • 49 hours of online classroom learning
  • 11 hours of skill practice
  • 40 hours of supervised clinical practice at Bay Bluffs.

The Medication Aide Training Program is a comprehensive course designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively administer medications in a variety of healthcare settings.
In partnership with Bay Bluffs.

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physical therapist working with a patient

Certified Physical Therapist Aide

Learn foundational physical therapy principles, medical terminology, tasks, and responsibilities needed to work as a certified physical therapy aide.

This 15-week* program includes:

  • 190 hours of online training
  • Interactive sessions and real-world simulations
  • Access to communication with qualified instructors
  • Fee for the American Medical Certification Association certification exam
  • Assistance with job placement

Deadline to register is Monday, October 7, 2024

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automotive repair

Automotive Repair Technician 

  • 20-week* online program
  • Accredited Automotive Repair Technician Career Diploma
  • 80-hour externship with local auto repair business
 

If you have a passion for cars, the Fast Track Auto Repair Certification course will help you prepare for the career you want.

You'll also prepare for professional certification through National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification exams.

*Completion time may vary by student.

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air conditioner compressors

HVAC Technician

  • 20-week* online program
  • 80-hour externship with a local business
 

Are you interested in understanding HVAC/R service and repair, environmental challenges, and solutions? If you answered yes, then you're in the right place! This course will prepare you for an entry-level career in the HVAC/R industry by providing hands-on guidance for service, repair, and solutions.

You will learn from in-depth materials, including service call simulations that bring concepts to life. You will be ready to pass all 17 HVAC Excellence Employment Ready Certificates, the EPA 608, and the NATE Ready to Work Certificate by course completion.

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picture of a welder

Welding/Metal Fabrication

  • 10-week program
  • 60 hours of in-person training
  • Assistance with job placement
  • Access to NCMC facilities and learning resources

Introduction to welding including AWS weld certification in Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW).

Students will also learn foundations of metal fabrication including to safely adjust light up, and shut down an Oxy-Acetylene torch, and also set up an Oxy-Acetylene portable unit.

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woman looking at a computer screen

Professional Bookkeeper with QuickBooks

  • 100 hours of online training
  • One-year access to QuickBooks Online
  • Interactive sessions and real-world simulations
  • Assistance with grant opportunities to cover tuition
  • Certification fees for the Quickbooks Certified Users Exam
  • Assistance with job placement
  • Access to NCMC facilities and learning resources

Master QuickBooks Online to prepare for a rewarding career in the bookkeeping field. Learn basic bookkeeping and accounting principles necessary to prepare for the QuickBooks Certified User Exam.

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