Adventist University of Health Sciences Starts Advanced Medical Assistant Program

ADU's new degree goes much further than typical medical assistant programs. It cross-trains students as both medical assistants (MA) and basic machine operators (BMO), elevating the level of training to a broader skill set now demanded by potential employers.

"The cross-trained MA/BMO designation puts the ADU applicant in a more desirable and better compensated position than other MA or BMO applicants," states Robert Paswaters, Ed.D, COO of Florida Hospital Centra Care. "Currently, there is a critical market shortage of quality employees with these two qualifications." 

The Advanced Medical Assistant program is a 70 credit hour associate degree designed to introduce students to the essential skills and knowledge necessary to be an entry-level healthcare provider including administrative and clinical duties. Students will have access to high-quality externships in over 45 different specialties within Florida Hospital Medical Group (FHMG) and Centra Care locations.

"There is an immediate need for advanced medical assistants within the healthcare community, and ADU is committed to filling that need with skilled, mission-focused individuals who bring more to the table than other graduates," says David Greenlaw, D.Min., President of ADU.

According to Beth Weagraff, COO and Senior Vice President of FHMG, there is consideration toward developing a scholarship for ADU students who meet a pre-determined criteria and are willing to work within FHMG. Weagraff explains, "We look forward to the ability to supplement our team with well-trained graduates from your program."

"It is our goal here at ADU to provide students with an exceptional education that gives them an edge when entering the workforce," states Edwin Hernandez, PhD, Provost of ADU. "We believe that this new degree not only sets graduates apart, but enables them to improve the care of patients."

About ADU – Adventist University of Health Sciences (ADU) is a Seventh-day Adventist institution that specializes in healthcare education.  ADU offers undergraduate and graduate programs including:  Biomedical Sciences, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Health Sciences, Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Nursing (BSN), Nurse Anesthesia, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Master of Healthcare Administration, Master of Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant and Physical Therapy. The University is associated with Florida Hospital and Adventist Health System. 

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SOURCE Adventist University of Health Sciences