As the demands on the healthcare industry increase due to new technologies, aging baby boomers, our growing population and longer life expectancies, professionals are needed to fill the numerous vacancies in many healthcare careers.

To help people acquire satisfying, well-paying jobs at medical clinics and physicians’ offices, the Alvin Community College Continuing Education Workforce Development Department (CEWD) will offer a new Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) training program beginning on April 25.

“They (CMAs) do a variety of assisting procedures, such as checking vital signs, performing simple lab tests, and other office appropriate activities,” said Susan Priest, ACC CEWD Health & Medical Programs director and a registered nurse. “They usually work alongside the physicians to help with the office flow.”

“There are doctors’ offices and clinics all over that need trained medical assistants and our program will train people to be excellent assistants,” she added.

The course, which is offered in partnership with Boston Reed College, will be held on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., through Oct. 3 at the ACC Pearland Center, 2319 N. Grand Blvd. The cost of the program is $2,195.

A free orientation program for potential students, that will cover financing options, prerequisites and externships, will be held on March 6, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., or March 7, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., at the ACC Pearland Center. For more information or to receive an information packet, contact Robbie Shelton at (281) 756-3900 or rshelton@alvincollege.edu.