Federal funds may help pay for Medical Assistant education at MTC

Responding to a high local demand for medical assistants, Ohio Means Jobs – Marion County is making federal funds available to help qualifying local residents go to Marion Technical College for up to one year to enter this health care field.

“These funds are very limited but can pay for tuition, books, fees, and required supplies,” said Ronald Meade, administrator of Ohio Means Jobs – Marion County. “This is a great way to get a start in the health care field. These jobs are in demand. Many employers offer benefits including tuition assistance for those who want to go on and get more education to become a nurse or another specialized area.”

MTC offers a medical assisting certificate that can be completed in just two semesters. Recent graduates had 100% pass rates on the national exam, 100% employment after graduation, and 100% employer satisfaction with MTC’s graduates after hiring, according to survey results. The program is fully accredited through CAAHEP which allows the student to take a certification exam through American Association of Medical Assistants.

Medical assistants work in doctor’s offices and clinics. They do a range of tasks, from scheduling appointments to taking vital signs to sending prescription information to pharmacies to medical billing and coding. Jobs pay an average of $14.63 locally. The number of jobs in our area is expected to grow more than 20% over the next decade.

“Employers seek out our graduates,” said Peggy Smith, director of MTC’s Medical Assistant Program. “Students like our small class sizes, hands-on training, and flexible class schedule, with day, evening and online classes.”

One of those employers who hires many medical assistants is OhioHealth.

“OhioHealth is committed to hiring and retaining top notch associates, and Marion Technical College has consistently provided well-prepared medical assistant students,” said Davene Yankle, MS, RN, manager of Clinical Services for OhioHealth Physician Enterprise. “We appreciate MTC and OhioMeansJobs for helping job seekers get the training they need to, in turn, help OhioHealth fill important medical assisting roles in our care sites.”

Those interested in joining this in-demand field should apply now, before funds run out.

“The application process is fairly simple,” Meade stated. “They just have to live in Marion County, have minor children, and make 200% of the poverty level or less. That’s about $48,600 for a family of four. Applicants are required to apply for FAFSA [Free Application for Federal Student Aid] prior to be approved as funds are limited.”

MTC is very affordable, said Smith, explaining that a Pell grant covers the entire cost of tuition for a year. More than 90% of MTC students receive financial aid in the forms of grants, loans, and scholarships.

Any local residents interested in this program can call MTC’s Admission Department at 740.389.4636 or email [email protected]. Those who want to start applying for funding can call Kelly Bates at Ohio Means Jobs at 740.386.1067. Details are on www.MTC.edu.