Clarkson College Expands Healthcare Pathways with CareerStep

Clarkson College, located in Omaha, Nebraska, has a long history of preparing compassionate, skilled professionals for the healthcare field. But in recent years, the college saw an opportunity to do even more – to create new, accessible pathways for learners in their community who wanted to enter healthcare but needed education that fit their lives.

That goal led to the launch of Clarkson’s Medical Assistant Training program, powered by CareerStep, a provider of online healthcare training programs that help colleges expand their continuing education options. The program blends CareerStep’s flexible online learning with personalized student support and hands-on labs.

Meet the team behind one of Omaha’s most impactful workforce initiatives:
Brooke Brown, Director of Professional Development, Marissa Pick, Instructor, and Desiree Milner, Program Coordinator of Clarkson College have helped shape the Medical Assistant Training program. The result? Confident graduates, strong community partnerships, and new careers launched across the Omaha healthcare landscape.

Meeting students where they are

When Clarkson began exploring new ways to meet Omaha’s growing workforce needs, one thing became clear: not every learner fits a traditional classroom model.
Many potential students were working adults, parents, or career changers looking to move into healthcare but unable to commit to a fixed semester schedule. To truly serve their community, Clarkson needed a flexible option that allowed learners to start when they were ready and move through training at their own pace.
“These are typically adult learners who have a lot going on, working full-time, taking care of families, and the flexibility of a hybrid model really meets their needs,.” said Brooke Brown, Director of Professional Development. “We listen to what our community and our healthcare partners need, and we’re always open to creating opportunities that truly serve them.”

Creating a flexible path to healthcare careers

Through the collaboration with CareerStep, Clarkson launched a non-cohort, online Medical Assistant Training program, a hybrid model that allows learners to start throughout the year and progress at a pace that works for them, while Clarkson’s team adds structure and personal connection through in-person labs and consistent communication.

“CareerStep provides the monthly reporting, onboarding support, and progress tracking that allows us to coordinate additional support and make sure learners feel guided from start to finish,” said Desiree Milner, Program Coordinator.

To keep students on track, Instructor Marissa Pick and her team send each new cohort a detailed physical calendar outlining weekly goals and module deadlines. “We also hold three check-in Zoom meetings just to say, ‘Hey, how are you doing?’” Pick explained. “And when students fall behind, we use the progress reports to reach out and ask, ‘What can we do to help you?’”

Milner added that this layered support, between Clarkson’s staff and CareerStep’s learner success team, creates a sense of belonging that can often be missing in online programs. “There’s a misconception that you can’t build community in an online course,” she said. “But our students have touchpoints with CareerStep and with us, and that constant communication builds rapport and connection.”

Hands-on learning that builds confidence

In addition to online coursework, Clarkson students attend two skills labs and a final “boot camp” before starting their externships. These sessions allow learners to practice and demonstrate competencies in person, ensuring they’re confident and job-ready.

“At boot camp, they go through all of the skills they’ve learned, showing their knowledge and competency,” Milner explained. “It’s a culmination of everything they’ve worked on for nine months.”

Each student also receives a detailed binder of step-by-step lab procedures, resource pages, and skill checklists. “It’s theirs to keep,” Pick said. “That way they can study when they’re not on campus and come in prepared.

Strengthening Omaha’s healthcare workforce

The program’s impact extends well beyond the classroom. Clarkson partners with local health systems to align training with real workforce needs, creating a direct pipeline from education to employment.

“This partnership helps us do what we do best – support learners while helping our local healthcare community thrive,” the team shared.

For Pick, the most rewarding part of the job is seeing former students thriving in their new careers. “I’ve had former students come up to me at the doctor’s office and say, ‘This changed my life for the better,’” she said. “It’s like a proud mom moment every time.”

That sense of pride extends across the team. “These programs focus on foundational healthcare roles,” Brown said. “It’s amazing to see learners who were nervous at first finish the program beaming with pride.”

A partnership built on support and trust

Throughout the conversation, one word came up repeatedly: support.

“When I think of CareerStep, I think of support,” Pick said.

Milner agreed, highlighting CareerStep’s responsiveness and professionalism. “When I have a question, I know I’ll get a fast and clear answer.”

Brown echoed those sentiments: “Our success is because of the collaboration, communication, and support we’ve built together.”

From strengthening Omaha’s healthcare workforce to supporting adult learners through flexible, high-touch education, Clarkson College’s continuing education programs are a model for how colleges and industry partners can create real impact, one learner at a time.

CareerStep partners with institutions like Clarkson College to offer flexible, online healthcare training programs that expand access to continuing education and strengthen local healthcare workforces. Reach out to our partnership team to explore what’s possible.

Want to hear the full conversation?

Watch our recorded interview with the Clarkson College team to hear their insights, stories, and program strategies firsthand.