Aug. 4, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – GRCC Workforce Training programs provide in-demand skills leading to rewarding careers. Each Wednesday we’ll meet students who are heading down an educational pathway and changing their lives by earning occupational certificates.
Steven Jetton had been working as a patient registration specialist for Spectrum Health for two years. During this time, he got to know many medical assistants and learned what that job entails. That is when he looked into the training to become an MA.
“I had been hesitating to start the school and then COVID-19 happened. I just put it on the back burner until I found out about Futures for Frontliners.
“That really left me no excuse. With my husbands support and Spectrum Health willing to flex my work schedule, I had to do it!”
The goal of the GRCC’s Medical Assistant program is to prepare competent entry-level medical assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. The 772-hour program is designed to take 22 weeks to complete and combines classroom lecture, group activity, simulation learning, and a competency-based externship experience.
Currently, the program is offered in a hybrid format with half in person and half online coursework.
“It is not easy, especially working and going to school," he said. “The first two weeks are crazy but somehow you get through it! I love the group I am going through this with. We are all from different backgrounds, ages, lifestyles but we have really bonded.”
Following a four-week practicum experience, students are prepared to take the Registered Medical Assistant national certification exam through American Medical Technologists. The exam fee is included in the tuition.
“I am currently doing my practicum at Metro Health in the ER. I am the first MA Metro has hosted. I love it! They are incredibility helpful and I can ask as many questions as I need to. I really love what I’m doing and the people I work with,” he said.
A healthcare information video is available to watch when it is most convenient for you! To get the answers you need to determine which healthcare program is right for you as well as how to enroll and requirements.
Anyone interested in gaining career skills through GRCC Workforce Training can connect via email at workforcetraining@grcc.edu, and by phone at (616) 234-3800. Additional information is at Job and Workforce Training.