They are most likely the first person you interface with when you go to a doctor’s appointment. They take your vital signs, prepare you for medical procedures and manage patient needs. They are medical assistants, and Cuesta College’s Nursing and Allied Health Department is acknowledging the students currently going through its Medical Assisting Program in honor of National Medical Assistants Recognition (MAR) Week.
MAR Week, which runs from October 21-25, acknowledges the vital role of medical assisting and its contributions and efforts in health care. “This is a great time for us to celebrate how important medical assistants are to the healthcare team,” said Director of Allied Health Lisa Wearda. “We are so grateful for the partnerships Cuesta has with many medical offices in the community which make it possible for our students to receive excellent training and the hands-on experiences they need to become highly qualified professionals.”
Cuesta’s Medical Assisting Program is a one-semester, 14.0 unit, fast-track program that prepares students for entry-level positions as a medical assistants. Training includes hands-on experiences in the classroom/lab and externships in local medical facilities and offices. Each year the MA Program enrolls and graduates approximately 40 students, all of whom participate in immunization events sponsored by the San Luis Obispo County Health Department throughout the year.
For more information on the MA Program, please contact Lisa Wearda at (805) 546-3100 ext. 2798 or lisa_wearda@cuesta.edu.