Blinn’s new Clinical Medical Assistant Program offers Bryan resident a convenient pathway to a new career

‘It was the perfect opportunity at the right time in my life,’ says Brenesha Robinson

July 27, 2018

With two small children and a full-time job, Brenesha Robinson’s hectic schedule left little time for schoolwork. 

A call from a career navigator at Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley changed her mind.

The Bryan resident was notified that the Blinn College District would begin offering a new program designed to train students to become certified clinical medical assistants in just five months. In February, Robinson enrolled in the inaugural class, attending two four-hour courses each week while maintaining her full-time job.

“This was the perfect opportunity at the right time in my life,” Robinson said. “I always wanted to go back to school, but a traditional, full-time course load made accessing childcare a challenge. This was the perfect fit for my schedule.”

A clinical medical assistant (CMA) is a medical support professional who performs clinical and administrative duties under the direction of a physician. CMAs perform a variety of job duties, including maintaining patient medical records, scheduling appointments, administering medications, collecting and preparing laboratory specimens, and recording vital signs.

Administered by Blinn’s  Division of Technical and Community Education the 200-hour Clinical Medical Assistant Program consists of three courses, and includes course curriculum designed and implemented based on nationally recognized training, assessment, and certification standards set forth by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The first two courses in the program take place in the classroom, introducing students to medical office operations, equipment, procedures, and how those apply in an ambulatory care setting. Students then apply specialized theory, skills, and concepts in a clinical setting under the direct supervision of a healthcare provider.

“Our main focus is to teach our students to effectively and appropriately care for a patient in whatever condition they may present,” said CMA Instructor Thelma Straughter, who has been a practicing CMA for nearly 10 years. “We want them to make their patients feel as safe and comfortable as they can while they are in their care.”

Students who complete the program will be prepared to take the NHA Clinical Medical Assistant Certification Exam. According to  Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley , employment of CMAs is projected to grow 13 percent between 2014 and 2024. Certified CMAs average a median wage of $15.15 per hour, or approximately $31,512 per year.

“Healthcare educational programs of this scope and skillset are great opportunities for individuals who are looking for a high-wage, in demand career to enter the medical field,” Dean of Technical and Community Programs Jay Anderson said. “Jobs for CMAs abound locally in clinics, hospitals, outpatient facilities, and urgent care centers.”

The first course in a new sequence of Blinn’s CMA Program will begin Monday, July 30. The $325 course will run through Wednesday, Aug. 22.

“This was a great experience,” Robinson said. “My classmates and I became really great friends who supported each other throughout the program. I already have many friends who have asked me how to register for the next course.”

In August, Blinn will offer Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship Training, Professional Truck Driving, Pharmacy Technician, Certified Medication Aide Refresher, and Electrician License Renewal courses.

Blinn’s technical and community education courses are designed to provide students the knowledge and ability they need to enter the workforce immediately after completion of the courses. Many of these courses do not require a high school diploma and enrollment is fast and easy. As most of these courses are non-credit, students do not need to go through the College’s admissions process to enroll. Programs vary in length and are offered with daytime, evening, and weekend options.

Business owners can enroll their employees in Blinn Technical and Community Education courses using Texas Workforce Commission Skills Development and Skills for Small Business funds, and Blinn staff can help businesses complete the request form. Blinn also offers students access to scholarships through the  Blinn College Foundation , private grants, and Workforce Solutions. 

For more information or to register for these courses, visit the Blinn Post Office Campus at 301 Post Office Street in Bryan. For additional information, visit  www.blinn.edu/workforce  or call 979-209-7205.