Commonwealth University to offer clinical medical assistant scholarships to the community

Commonwealth University (CU) will offer Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) certifications during the spring 2024 semester at all four campus locations: Bloomsburg, Clearfield, Lock Haven and Mansfield. In addition, scholarships also are available for the course.

The CMA certification course from CU is designed to prepare students to function as professionals in multiple healthcare settings and to prepare learners to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical aspects of a medical office.

Medical assistants with a clinical background perform various clinical tasks including assisting with the administration of medications and with minor procedures, performing an EKG electrocardiogram, obtaining laboratory specimens for testing, educating patients and other related tasks. Job opportunities are prevalent with physician's offices, clinics, chiropractor's offices, hospitals and outpatient facilities.

This program prepares learners to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical aspects of a medical office. Instruction includes preparing patients for examination and treatment, routine laboratory procedures, pharmacology, taking and documenting vital signs, technical aspects of phlebotomy and the 12-lead EKG and the cardiac life cycle.

After completing the program, learners will have the option to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exams essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.

Learners who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience. As learners progress through their eLearning program, an externship coordinator will reach out to coordinate placement.

Additional documentation including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be required by the externship facility.

The CMA pilot scholarship is designed to provide funding for non-traditional students seeking a Clinical Medical Assistant certification at one of the Commonwealth University campuses. The maximum award is 90% of the financial support for cost of tuition (including certification costs), up to $2,380 per course and requires a 10% student match.

To qualify for the scholarship, individuals must be accepted at a Commonwealth University institution for the CMA course and have paid a deposit and provided proof of funding for the 10% match. First priority will be given to individuals who demonstrate financial need and to veterans.

Spring 2024 CMA class dates:

• Bloomsburg  - Jan. 23 through April 23, fully face-to-face
• Clearfield  - Feb. 6 through May 7, fully face-to-face
• Lock Haven - Jan. 23 through April 25, fully face-to-face
• Mansfield  - Jan. 23 through April 25, hybrid with hands-on labs on Saturdays

To register for the CMA course, visit tinyurl.com/WDTrainings [email.readme.readmedia.com]. For more information, visit lockhaven.edu/workforce [email.readme.readmedia.com].