Medical Assistant program achieves ‘Continuing Accreditation’
Published on November 14, 2023
NORTH EAST, Md.: Cecil College’s Medical Assistant program received the official letter of “Continuing Accreditation” from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) earlier this fall. This continuing accreditation certifies that the Medical Assistant program is consistently meeting and exceeding the standards set forth by the Board.
The “Continuing Accreditation” letter from CAAHEP President Donald Balasa, JD, MBA, states: “The Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) has maintained Continuing Accreditation, with the next comprehensive review to occur no later than Fall 2031 for the Medical Assisting Certificate program at Cecil College.” The program at Cecil College is reviewed annually along with on-site visits every 3-5 years to maintain accreditation.
The Medical Assistant program is part of the Nursing and Health Professions department at Cecil College and operated through the Academic Programs division. This accreditation provides a high level of assurance to students that they are prepared to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification exam of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), as well as practice safely and professionally as a Medical Assistant.
Students in the Medical Assistant program learn technical and professional skills in the classroom and then gain hands-on experience in a clinical externship. “The Medical Assistant program gives students an opportunity to enter the medical field and explore working in different environments such as family practice, dermatology, pediatrics, female health, or urgent care centers,” said Lu Ann Williams, Program Specialist in Healthcare Careers at Cecil College.
The accreditation standards are established by CCHEP, MAERB, American Association of Medical Assistants, American Medical Technologists, and the National Health Career Association.
“The Board is recognized beyond our region, so employers know our students have the credentials and skills required to excel as Medical Assistants,” stated Tricia Evans, Program Director, and Practicum Coordinator. Cecil College offers this program twice a year with six-month and nine-month options. Those students who complete the program and pass the CMA exam can then use their certification to stack with other credentials to pursue associate degrees at Cecil College.
The commission commended Cecil College for its “commitment to continuous quality improvement in health and profession education,” as demonstrated by its participation in programmatic accreditation.
For more information about this program, please visit cecil.edu/hc or contact LuAnn Williams at rwilliams@nullcecil.edu.