Training Partners Support St. Mary’s Medical Assistant Program

 

Photo caption:  Pictured (l-r):  front row – Marie Blessing, Audrey Condon, Dancile Nshimirimana, Francis Nguyen, Kassandra Hebert, Katie Hamilton, Darcy Goyette, Mary Ann Gowell, instructor.  Second row – Jessica Biron, Dinah Morris, Tracy Crossman, Sandra Barnich, Trisha Newcomb, Justine Gray, Lori Adkins, Melissa Dalton, Kelsa Brennan, Kayla Caron, Patti Saarinen, WIOA Site Coordinator WMCA – Lewiston CareerCenter.  Third row – Paula Bolduc, Julian Kirouac, Brittany Wilkins, Miranda Hutchinson, Cathy Stairs, WMCA Employment & Training Specialist.

 

Lewiston – St. Mary’s Health System, 96 Campus Avenue, held a celebration ceremony on Tuesday, November 28 at the facility recognizing  19 local students for completion of their Medical Assistant classes.  Instructor, Mariann Gowell,  welcomed administrators, staff, family, friends, and community partners for the presentation of certificates.   Brittany Blais, St. Mary’s Talent Acquisition Partner & Human Resources, also shared remarks and thanked partners for making the program possible.

Students successfully completed a fast paced, condensed curriculum offering training to assist physicians with the clinical responsibilities of a medical office. The program included 140 hours of classroom/lab training with routine lab procedures, phlebotomy, EKG, diagnostic testing, etc.  Following the classwork, students are completing the final weeks of an Externship schedule of 160 hours.  Many of the students also earned a WorkReady certificate covering the topics of effective workplace communication techniques, resume and interviewing skills, conflict resolution, teamwork, and other important soft skills. This St. Mary’s employer driven project was made possible through the collaborative support and grant funding provided by Western Maine Community Action, Bureau of Employment Services/Competitive Skills Scholarship Program, and Gray/New Gloucester Adult Education.  The combined curriculum empowers students with the skills and knowledge essential to the specific job field.  “This graduation class is not only the result of the students’ dedication but also a prime example of train-to-work where business, education, and workforce development collaborate,” shares Patti Saarinen, WIOA Site Coordinator WMCA – Lewiston CareerCenter.  “The integration of education and training is a best-practice model for success.” 

"St. Mary’s Health System is proud of the success of the students that have completed this course,” shares Brittany Blais at St. Mary’s.  “This program was designed and executed in collaboration with Western Maine Community Action, Maine Department of Labor, and Gray-New Gloucester Adult Education after we recognized a need in our system for Medical Assistants.  It was a wonderful opportunity that will hopefully fulfill our need for qualified medical assistants and allow these students an opportunity to grow professionally in a rewarding career.  We are very appreciative of the efforts that all parties contributed to make this successful and wish the best of luck to these students." 

 

Monica M. Millhime

Employment & Training Business Specialist