Contact: Michaela Vallonio

Mobile: 717-941-0688

E-mail: valloniom@upmc.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPMC Launches New Medical Assistant Trainee Program in Central Pa.

Harrisburg, Pa. (March 19, 2024) — UPMC in Central Pa. has launched an in-house medical assistant trainee program. Through the paid training program, students enrolled in the UPMC Medical Assistant course undergo clinical rotations, didactic skills modules, cost-free MA certification exam and an externship placement at a UPMC in Central Pa. outpatient clinic, along with support in applying for and beginning a permanent position.

A pilot class started in late fall of 2023. The inaugural class of the Medical Assistant Trainee program graduated after completing the 16-week session and passing their Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exams. The three graduates committed full-time to gain key skills in an educational and clinical setting while also being paid.

“This program has allowed me to achieve the goals that I was looking for and spend time with my children, while still providing for them,” said Shanda Neal, MA graduate. “Being paid to learn has alleviated the uncertainty about making this career change.”

Students work directly with physicians and staff in multiple medical offices across the region to assist with various aspects of patient care. Graduates from the program immediately start as senior medical assistants in fields of their interest.

“We’re excited to celebrate our first cohort and the success of the new MA training program,” said Gina Pupo, senior director of Clinical Operations. “The achievement of our students highlights the positive patient experience that our program brings to our medical offices across the central Pa. region.”

UPMC MA Trainee Enrollment

The next cohort for the UPMC MA Trainee program will begin on Monday, May 13. Classes will be held for 16 weeks, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the UPMC education facility at 3 Walnut St., Lemoyne. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and have a high school diploma (or the equivalent).

For more information, go to careers.UPMC.com and search “Medical Assistant Trainee” in Lemoyne, Pa.

Photo caption 1: Shanda Neal, Lisa Armour, and Kaitlynne Green celebrate as the first graduates from UPMC’s MA program in central Pa.

# # #

About UPMC

UPMC is a world-renowned, nonprofit health care provider and insurer committed to delivering exceptional, people-centered care and community services. Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC is shaping the future of health through clinical and technological innovation, research, and education. Dedicated to advancing the well-being of our diverse communities, we provide more than $1 billion every year in community benefits, more than any other health system in Pennsylvania. Our 100,000 employees — including more than 5,000 physicians — care for patients across 40 hospitals and 800 doctors’ offices and outpatient sites in Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland, as well as overseas. UPMC Insurance Services covers 4 million members with a focus on providing the highest-quality care at the most affordable price. To learn more, visit UPMC.com.

www.upmc.com/media