Macomb Community College introduces two new health care training programs leading to in-demand careers

Macomb Community College is introducing two new short-term health care programs, Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician and Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), that lead to in-demand careers in the growing health care industry. Both the programs will begin this winter with a single semester to completion.

“We stay in close touch with the needs of the health care community through our advisory boards, by closely monitoring job reports issued by the State of Michigan and Macomb County, and by tracking job listings in the area,” said Michelle Valin, director, Workforce and Continuing Education, Center for Health Careers, Macomb Community College. “This way we can develop programs, like the EKG and RBT programs, that meets the needs of both our students and the health care industry.”

Registered behavioral health technicians work in conjunction with and follow a care plan developed by a board-certified behavioral analyst with the goal of reducing challenging behavior in an individual. This particular credential is focused primarily on working with autistic children. The RBT engages with the child and is responsible for implementation of the client plan; data collection and analysis; assessment of behavior; teach coping skills; reduce problem behavior; and document progress and concerns.

The demand for RBTs has increased in recent years.  According to the Center for Disease Control, one out of every 36 births result in a child on the autistic spectrum. With this mounting trend and the growth in the health care industry in general, there are jobs available in community centers, clinics, mental health facilities and home care settings. Behavior modification techniques, however, are not limited to use with autistic children and can be used to help other ages with other issues.

The RBT program is hybrid, with the on-ground portion held on Macomb’s South Campus in Warren. Classes begin Jan. 11 and end April 25, amounting to 48 contact hours. The program cost is $795 and does not include books.

EKG technicians work in physician’s offices, hospitals, clinics and other health care facilities. The EKG technician program prepares students to work with patients, place the leads and monitor and operate an EKG machine. While the technician does not interpret results, they make sure everything is placed properly and the machine is operating properly. They also monitor the wave patterns being recorded and reassure the patient.

While the credential can stand on its own, the EKG certificate can be a stackable credential, ideal for entry-level health care workers, like a phlebotomist or certified nursing assistant, making them more marketable and more valuable to their employer.

Classes for the EKG program are held at Macomb’s South Campus in Warren. The EKG Technician program begins Feb. 20 and ends April 25, 2024 amounting to 50 contact hours. Total cost for the program is $1,299 which includes books.

Registration is now open. Those interested should visit http://wce.macomb.eu and search for their program of interest to register and for more information.

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.

Media contact: Sean M. Patrick, 586.445.7271, patricks28@macomb.edu