Commonwealth University celebrates over 10 years of training medical assistants in Lock Haven

For more than a decade, Commonwealth University Workforce Development has been preparing residents in the Lock Haven and Central Pennsylvania region for successful careers as clinical medical assistants (CMAs). Enrollment is now open for the upcoming cohort.

Healthcare remains one of the strongest employment sectors in central PA, and medical assistant is designated as a high priority occupation (HPO) in the region, reflecting continued employer demand.

The CMA program prepares students to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, a nationally recognized credential valued by healthcare employers.

The program prepares graduates to confidently perform clinical procedures and assist physicians during examinations, take vital signs and conduct basic EKG testing, perform phlebotomy and specimen collection, maintain electronic health records, apply infection control and patient safety standards and communicate professionally with patients and healthcare teams.

The program combines classroom instruction, hands-on lab experience and certification exam preparation to ensure students are workforce ready for roles such as clinical medial assistant, physician practice assistant, outpatient care technician and medial office assistant.

Medical assistants in the central PA region typically earn $17–$21 per hour, with opportunities for advancement into specialty practices, hospital systems and leadership roles.

Healthcare employers in the region hiring medical assistants include major health systems, community hospitals, physician offices, outpatient clinics and specialty practices throughout Clinton, Lycoming, Centre and surrounding counties.

Because medical assistant is on the high priority occupation list, participants may qualify for tuition assistance. WIOA funding may be available for eligible individuals through their local PA CareerLink® office. Workforce Pell Grant funding may potentially be available for qualifying short-term programs as federal implementation expands. Prospective students are encouraged to contact their local PA CareerLink® office early to explore funding eligibility and begin the approval process. Early registration is important to help secure available funding.

In addition to immediate employment opportunities, Commonwealth University offers pathways for students who wish to continue their education. Through Credit for Prior Learning options, CMA completers may be able to apply their training toward associate or bachelor’s degree healthcare programs.

“Medical assistants are essential members of today’s healthcare teams,” said Angie Hardy, director of workforce development at CU. “For over 10 years, we’ve been proud to help individuals launch meaningful careers while supporting the workforce needs of our regional healthcare providers.”

Residents interested in enrolling in the upcoming Lock Haven CMA program can learn more and register at www.commonwealthu.edu/academics/workforce-development/career-training or email workforce@commonwealthu.edu. Space is limited. Early inquiry is encouraged.