PRESS RELEASE
October 27, 2009                                                         Contact:  Dawn Alford, 542-5524

At a time when the unemployed are finding it difficult to find work, Columbia Basin College Medical Assistant graduates are not feeling the pinch.  For the last two years, CBC’s Medical Assistant graduates have had a 100 percent placement rate.

Eleven of the twelve recent (August 22, 2009) graduates are employed at local hospitals and clinics.  The twelfth was offered a position but chose to explore other options. 

Marisol Madrigal, a married mother of one, accepted full-time employment with Kadlec Medical Center.  The former stay-at-home mom is now able to contribute financially to her household and fill a need in the healthcare community. 

Prior to enrollment in the Medical Assistant program, Angela Gant worked at a local pizza restaurant for more than four years at minimum wage.  She sought a career with regular hours, one that would be fulfilling, and able to support her two-year-old daughter.  Angela was hired, prior to graduating, as a full-time medical assistant by a local pediatrician in the Kennewick General Hospital (KGH) network. 

“This is the most fun I’ve had in a job.  I’m putting my knowledge to good use every day,” states Angela. 

Both graduates were hired from their program externships.

CBC Medical Assistant program graduates are highly sought after.  KGH Physician Clinics currently have 20 Medical Assistants on staff—more than half (13) are CBC Medical Assistant graduates. 

“We have a wonderful working relationship with CBC,” state Office Manager Tina O’Brien, Columbia Family Medicine. “We know when we hire a CBC graduate (Medical Assistant), they are well-trained.”
 
At program completion, CBC graduates can sit for the Certified Medical Assisting test through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), a national recognized test.  Certification allows for a professional edge, better job security, and greater career advancement opportunities.