MOULTRIE — On Thursday, Dec. 7, Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) recognized five graduating Medical Assisting (MA) students at a pinning ceremony at SRTC-Moultrie honoring their achievements.
Lakin Burley, Felisha Chastain and Jennifer Mitchell O’Grady of Moultrie; and Shantania Hawkins and Alyssa McLeod of Baconton received pins and small gifts in honor of their accomplishments.
Of these seniors, the program acknowledged the achievement of Lakin Burley, who earned the highest MA Diploma GPA, and Alyssa McLeod, who earned the highest MA Degree GPA.
Each of the graduating students completed multiple semesters of rigorous prerequisite and occupational coursework, including a series of clinical rotations at local medical offices. The students are now eligible to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam. This designation represents a medical assistant who has been credentialed through the Certifying Board of the AAMA.
“I am so very proud of each one of these Medical Assisting graduates,” said Jill Burnette, Medical Assisting faculty. “They have come a long way and have overcome many challenges over the past year. They are forever bonded as a group. I have had the wonderful pleasure of getting to know each of them personally. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to witness each one grow and blossom into a Medical Assistant throughout the program. They each have their own special gifts to bring to the health care profession. I am super excited to see what their future holds!”
The students joined Medical Assisting faculty in reciting the AAMA Medical Assistant Creed: I believe in the principles and purpose of the protection of medical assisting. I endeavor to be more effective. I aspire to render greater service. I protect the confidence entrusted to me. I am dedicated to the care and well-being of all people. I am loyal to my employer. I am true to the ethics of my profession. I am strengthened by compassion, courage, and faith.
The Medical Assisting program at SRTC trains students for administrative and clinical duties, primarily in physicians’ offices or clinics. Clinical skills include taking vital signs, obtaining medical histories, performing basic lab tests, sterilizing instruments, administering medications, and assisting the physician. Administrative skills include answering phones, scheduling appointments, filing medical and insurance reports, arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services.
SRTC offers both degree and diploma educational tracks. The Medical Assisting diploma program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).For more information about the Medical Assisting program, please contact Sherry Harrison at SHarrison@southernregional.edu.