Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) has launched a new Medical Assistant (MA) training program designed to provide the training and education necessary for participants to become certified medical assistants.

The 16-week independent study and clinical skills review program allows students to work as paid employees while receiving hands-on training under the supervision of an assigned preceptor at WMMC’s clinic locations in Warrensburg, Higginsville, Concordia and Knob Noster. Students who complete the program and pass their Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam will earn their CCMA certification and will be immediately interviewed for employment at WMMC’s clinic locations.

Justine Worley, BSN, RN, WMMC's Director of Ambulatory Care and Community Affairs, believes medical assistants serve a key role in WMMC's healthcare clinics. "It's a very versatile position that helps the clinic run smoothly from an administrative and clinical perspective," she said. "Medical assistants provide quality care in a variety of ways, including health screening, phlebotomy, protecting health information and advocating for patients."

Participants in the MA training program will work closely with providers and perform a variety of nursing and administrative duties, including but not limited to maintaining clinical supplies, preparing patients' rooms, maintaining logs within the nursing areas, answering phones and performing other related work as required.

"Being an MA is an extremely rewarding career path that provides many career options," said Worley. "This program is a great opportunity for dedicated, hardworking, and caring individuals who have a passion for helping people to gain hands-on training. As long as you have the desire, drive, and the right attitude, you do not need prior healthcare experience.”

After completing the program and successfully obtaining CCMA certification, participants must complete a year of employment at WMMC’s clinic locations. If no positions are available at WMMC, the CCMA will be released from this requirement to pursue other employment opportunities.

“This is a great opportunity that we are excited to offer our staff and community,” said Darinda Dick, WMMC’s President/CEO. “Career mapping is an initiative at WMMC, and this is the first step in that direction. This innovative program allows us to offer additional continued education opportunities for our own and those interested in entering the medical field.”

The initial MA training program cohort application is closed, with the next cohort beginning in August 2023. Candidates applying for the program must have a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete their Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within one month of starting the program. Preference will be given to applicants who have prior experience as a CNA, EMT, Phlebotomist or MA without certification. Internal applicants applying for the program must have worked at WMMC for at least six months.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 16 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average occupation. About 123,000 openings for medical assistants are projected each year, on average, through 2031.

For more information about WMMC’s MA training program, visit wmmc.com/ma-training.

About Western Missouri Medical Center
Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) is a fully-accredited acute care county medical center located in Warrensburg, MO. WMMC prides itself in emergency care, obstetrics, orthopedic and general surgery, family healthcare, internal medicine, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care, rehabilitation services and more. Inpatient services include medical, surgical, intensive, obstetrical, orthopedic, pediatric and skilled nursing care, as well as a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic outpatient services. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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