The next medical assistant class at Pennsylvania College of Technology's North Campus near Wellsboro will begin in April.
Information sessions at the North Campus are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7, and 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9. All are welcome to attend; no registration is required. The North Campus is located along Route 6 between Wellsboro and Mansfield.
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions about applying to the program, employment opportunities and financial aid.
The noncredit medical assistant course consists of classroom and laboratory instruction to prepare participants to perform general administrative, receptionist and basic clinical procedures in doctor's offices, clinics, medical facilities and human-service agencies. Medical assistants primarily work in outpatient settings, keeping offices and clinics running smoothly.
Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations as the health-services industry expands. It is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States because of technological advances in medicine and a growing and aging population.
The daytime course, which features 800 hours of instruction and a 160-hour externship, begins April 10 and ends Dec. 15. Students completing the program will be eligible to take the Registered Medical Assistant certification exam offered by the Association of American Medical Technologists.
The program was designed specifically for the North Campus by Workforce Development & Continuing Education at Penn College.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED; a positive referral from a counselor, caseworker or medical professional; and evidence of good mental and physical health.
To request a packet of information on the medical assistant course, contact the North Campus at (570) 724-7703 or send e-mail.