September 20, 2016 - When the 2016 fall semester began in August at Panola College, the largest class of Medical Assistant students to date was admitted to begin their education. The Medical Assisting (MA) program began in the fall of 2012 with eleven associate degree students and nine certificate students. The program has since grown to 94 students, more than a 400% increase. According to the Department of Labor, “the employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 23% between 2014 and 2024.”
Panola College offers medical assisting students the opportunity to earn either a two semester Administrative Medical Assisting Certificate or a Clinical Associate of Applied Science degree. Students are eligible to take a credentialing exam for the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) after earning the certificate or for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) after earning the degree. Medical Assisting graduates of Panola College generally find work in outpatient or ambulatory care facilities, such as physicians’ offices or clinics. MAs are cross-trained to perform administrative and clinical duties. Contact Panola College at 903-694-4524 for more information about the Medical Assisting program.
