RICHMOND – Learning no longer takes place solely in the classroom. At Andover College, which has campuses in Lewiston and Portland, students in the Medical Assisting program are putting their skills to use by working in healthcare settings.

Medical Assisting is a two-year program that leads to an associate of applied science degree. As part of the program, students must complete a 160-hour externship in an office setting.

Richmond Area Health Center was approached by Andover College and asked if it would be willing to host one or two MA students. Dale Gardner, RN at Richmond, said he jumped at the chance.

He had been teaching adult nursing classes for 10 years, and the health center had hosted students through other programs, so he and the staff were used to the teaching atmosphere.

There have been one or two students at the center ever since. “One of the best parts of the program is the broad spectrum of experience that the students get working here,” Gardner said. “We handle everything from newborns through geriatric care, and they get to see that.”

Richmond Area Health Center is part of the HealthReach Community Health Centers family. For more information, call 737-4359 or visit www.HealthReachCHC.org. For more information about the Andover College Medical Assisting program, 888-242-5314 or visit www.andovercollege.com.