MH Launches MA Academy With Park University

Like other states, Missouri is feeling the pinch of the healthcare provider shortage. To augment this challenge, Meritas Health and Park University teamed up to develop a unique educational training program to attract and retain medical assistants to MH practices.

The program began in August 2022 with 10 MH and North Kansas City Hospital employees. Students complete 16 weeks of virtual coursework, which includes one weekly skills lab at Park University and two weekly on-site MH clinic rotations. This is an accelerated curriculum of a nine-month program. Students are paid while they work through the program, and MH covers the cost of instruction.

Following graduation, each participant must work in an MH practice as a medical assistant for at least 18 months. Their job functions include taking vital signs and blood draws, administering injections and immunizations, dispensing medications and assisting with procedures.

The next program, which starts in June 2023, will be open to the public. Refer applicants to Valerie Gabhart, MSN, RN, quality and clinical educator, at Valerie.Gabhart@nkch.org.