Campus News

GC students complete CMAA classroom hours

This year's cohort was the first to use hybrid instructional model

This year's Garrett College Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) program participants recently completed their classroom hours and are now working on their externship requirements. Sitting, left to right, are students Brittany Burns, Wisteria Uber, Hanna Yutzy, and Brianna Wilt. Standing, left to right, are instructors Lindaly Stewart and Brigette Friend.

Four students have finished the classroom component of the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) program at Garrett College, and are now working to complete their final externship hours before sitting for the CMAA national certification.

After completion of the externship, students are eligible to earn national certification through the National Healthcareer Association. Students will continue on to phlebotomy and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant coursework.

The Garrett College cohort consists of Hanna Yutzy (Friendsville), Brianna Wilt (Grantsville), Brittany Burns (Oakland), and Wisteria Uber (Swanton). The cohort received its instruction from Brigette Friend and Lindaly Stewart.

This cohort was the first to use a new hybrid model for its 147 hours of classroom instruction. Students were on campus one day a week with two days of weekly Zoom instruction.

“We tested that format this year, and it seems to work well,” said Program Coordinator Doug Beitzel. “We plan to fully implement this format for the next class beginning in the fall.”

Beitzel said Certified Medical Administrative Assistants “play a critical role in keeping healthcare offices running efficiently and effectively.”

“This can be a highly rewarding profession,” noted Beitzel. “Medical assistants are often the first to greet and help the patient, and can help set the stage for a patient's experience.”

Orientation dates are now being scheduled for the fall program, and online registrations are being accepted. Beitzel said scholarship opportunities are available for participants.

The next class will begin September 23rd and will be held on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-9:15 p.m. at Garrett College's Wendell R. Beitzel Career Technology Training Center in Accident.

Interested persons should contact Program Coordinator Doug Beitzel, at 301-387-3772 or doug.beitzel@garrettcollege.edu.