The Wright Center for Community Health Welcomes New Students to Training Program The Wright Center for Community Health welcomed two students into a unique training program that allows aspiring medical assistants to gain hands-on experience alongside flexible online training provided by the National Institute for Medical Assistant Advancement (NIMAA). Over 29 weeks, the students will be immersed in various aspects of the profession, including maintaining patient medical records, assisting during examinations, and ensuring the security of medical records. They will work closely with physicians, patient care teams, and medical assistants at The Wright Center for Community Health’s Scranton and Mid Valley practices. Additionally, they will participate in skill labs led by experienced medical assistants, providing them with comprehensive training. The workforce development partnership has trained four students, two of whom are employed as certified medical assistants at The Wright Center. Daileen Morales of Scranton expressed her enthusiasm for the program, citing her passion for helping people and the valuable learning experiences she has already gained during the early part of the program. Her sentiment aligns with the growing demand for medical assistants, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 14% growth in employment over the next decade. “I thought this would be a great way to start,” said Morales, who is also joined in the training program by Judy Hanvey of Dickson City. “I have been in the program for two weeks and have already learned a lot.” Amber Bello, co-manager of medical assistants at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton Practice, highlighted the program’s significance in providing a realistic job preview for aspiring medical assistants. She, Nicole Munley, certified medical assistant manager; Laura Sweeney, co-manager of medical assistants; and Lida Kiefer, certified medical assistant II; supervise and train the students. “It’s a great way for them to get some hands-on experience and really get a feel for the job,” Bello said. “The Wright Center provides the space, supplies, and the expertise for them to learn.” The Wright Center operates 10 primary and preventive care practices in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wayne counties, including a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health. Together, these clinical locations provide whole-person primary health services, offering a safety net for the region’s residents and ensuring everyone in The Wright Center’s eight-county service area can access integrated medical, dental, and behavioral health services, regardless of their insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. NIMAA is a nonprofit education institute that trains medical assistants to work effectively in today’s high-performing primary care settings. NIMAA’s fully accredited, affordable programming offers students hands-on education and prepares graduates to work in high-performing, team-based practices. Applications for the Medical Assistant Training Program are being accepted through May 29, offering interested individuals the opportunity to pursue a rewarding career in the health care sector. For more information or to apply, visit NIMAA.edu.
Geisinger’s Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute Offers Virtual Training Program Geisinger’s Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute (ADMI), in partnership with the Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence (ACCE), is offering an online training program for professionals — and family members — who care for people with autism spectrum disorder. The program provides training in evidence-based interventions developed to improve the quality and consistency of services for people with autism and their families. Topics include applied behavior analysis, or the study of how behavior works, which, when paired with therapy, can increase communication skills, focus and social skills. The program also covers speech and language evaluation, genetic testing and transitional, vocational and housing options for people with autism. “We’re thrilled to offer a substantial training program about evidence-based practices to those in our region who work to support people with autism spectrum disorder and their families,” said Barbara Haas-Givler, Geisinger ADMI’s director of education and behavioral outreach. “While the program targets professionals, parents and caregivers are also welcome to take advantage of the curriculum. The webinars can be viewed at your own pace and cover a wide range of topics.” To receive a certificate of completion, participants must register and view five core webinars, complete a brief post-webinar quiz, view and attest to reading consensus documents for each of the core areas, and view four additional webinars. The Professional Training Program was developed in collaboration with ACCE partners from Misericordia University, University of Scranton, Wyoming Valley Children’s Association, and Friendship House. Funding support for the program was provided by the AllOne Foundation. To register or for more information, visit alloneforautism.org/professional-training/ptp-overview.html.
