Celebrating Success: Marshall School of Medical Assisting Honors First Graduating Cohort
08:45 AM - July 30, 2024
On Tuesday, July 23, community members from Marshall Medical, the El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE), and the greater El Dorado County region joined together to celebrate the inaugural graduating cohort of the Marshall School of Medical Assisting.
The first graduating cohort consisted of eight students, marking a significant milestone since the school's opening in January 2024.
Special awards were presented for Academic Excellence to Laura Nolan and Clinical Excellence to Rebecca Chavez.
The ceremony featured a moving address by graduate Jasmine Aguirre, along with keynote speeches delivered by Dr. Ed Manansala, County Superintendent of Schools, and Jonathan Russell, Chief Ambulatory Officer of Marshall Medical.
In his speech, Dr. Manansala underscored the impact their career choices will have both on their own lives and the local community.
“In so many ways, you are the backbone of healthcare. You should feel an immense sense of pride for completing this program. Whether you pursued this new career path for personal growth, to support your loved ones, or to enrich your local community, your dedication will positively impact countless lives in the years ahead,” said Dr. Manansala.
During their rigorous instruction, students in the Marshall School of Medical Assisting learn about patient care, medical terminology and technology, patient records and documentation, safe handling and administration of medication, lab procedures, medical ethics, law, and much more. The robust program also features guest speakers from various medical departments to offer students different perspectives and experiences in medicine.
The school’s hands-on teaching approach helps to equip students with the proper skills to confidently enter and sustain a lasting and rewarding career in the medical field by qualifying for an entry-level position as a medical assistant in a hospital, clinic, or physician’s office. Moving forward, the graduates can now complete the California Certified Medical Assistant exam (CACMA). Two graduates have already passed the medical exam and found job placement, while the remainder have pending test dates and have applied for open positions within El Dorado County. Beyond graduation, support from EDCOE staff is available to assist with securing employment.
Teacher Angie Land acknowledged the deep connections the students formed throughout their time in the program. “The bond you've forged within this program will be one that you always carry with you in your healthcare journey.”
The Marshall School of Medical Assisting was created in partnership with EDCOE and is grounded in shared values of service and impact. The school is preparing to welcome its second cohort of 13 students this August, and registration for its third cohort opens on August 19.
Anyone interested in obtaining more information or applying to the Marshall School of Medical Assisting Program can visit: https://aded.edcoe.org/courses/medical-assistant-program.