Pinehurst Medical Clinic

Matthew Bernosky

After the COVID-19 pandemic, Pinehurst Medical Clinic (PMC) struggled to find enough qualified Medical Assistants to keep up with the healthcare organization’s growth. Local training programs were not producing enough graduates to meet demand. Some programs had limited enrollment, while others required a two-year associate degree, limiting how quickly new graduates entered the workforce. As a result, PMC faced ongoing staffing shortages and often had to fill CMA positions with LPNs or RNs.

PMC initially partnered with a local community college offering a hybrid program. While the partnership helped address immediate staffing needs, attending classes two to three days a week created financial challenges for employees who could not afford to reduce their work hours or income. PMC wanted to find another way for employees to advance their careers without putting their financial stability at risk.

PMC’s learning and development team turned to the National Healthcareer Associations (NHA) online Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) curriculum to develop an internal PMC CCMA Academy. This gave employees a way to complete their training while continuing to work full-time. The program combines online coursework, classroom instruction and 13 weeks of hands-on clinical rotations with experienced clinic preceptors. Students also dedicate 10 hours each week to independent study, maintain at least a 75 percent quiz average and meet a 95 percent clinical attendance requirement.

Since launching its internal CCMA Academy, PMC has supported three cohorts totaling 17 students.  All 17 graduates have successfully passed the NHA certification exam and remain active PMC team members, reflecting a 100% certification pass rate and employee retention rate among graduates.

Demonstrating its commitment to workforce development and career advancement, PMC covers the full cost of tuition and NHA certification exam fees. Participants also continue to receive their regular pay throughout the 21-week program, removing financial barriers while creating opportunities for professional growth.

Upon graduation and successful completion of their certification, participants transition into guaranteed, full-time Medical Assistant positions at PMC. In return for this investment in their professional development, graduates commit to remaining employed with PMC for two years following completion of the program.

Because the role carries important responsibilities, selection for the academy is competitive. Applicants must submit a resume, a recommendation from their manager, and a letter of intent detailing their career goals, interest in mentorship, and ability to meet the program’s demands.

They then participate in panel interviews. The academy helps PMC fill CMA positions while giving current employees an opportunity to advance their careers.  Further, allowing the team to  build on the knowledge and experience of people who already understand PMC’s clinical operations and its patients.

At PMC, people drive its purpose.  They care for those they serve and stand beside those who serve with them. PMC’s CCMA Academy reflects that commitment by giving employees the opportunity to grow while helping the organization continue to care for the patients and communities they serve.