SHARE member Afia Damptey, who works as a MA in UMass Memorial’s Spine Center, spoke at the graduation. “I didn’t realize how much this program was going to change me and further my education,” Afia said. “At UMass Memorial Health, you can become whoever you want to be.”
Celebrated by state legislators, managers, SHARE organizers, and friends and family, twelve brand new Medical Assistants graduated from their apprenticeships. They are the first graduates of the SHARE-UMass Memorial Medical Assistant Registered Apprenticeship program, the first healthcare registered apprenticeship in Central Mass. Josh Cutler, Undersecretary of Labor, joined us to celebrate first healthcare apprenticeship in Central Mass. “In Massachusetts…our greatest natural resource is our people; it’s our skilled workforce. You are a shining example of us building and investing in our workforce,” Cutler said to the graduates.
And the graduates have appreciated the opportunity. SHARE member Maggie Warfield says, “The Medical Assistant Apprenticeship program was simply amazing. UMass Memorial provided me career growth at a time in my life when I could not afford to further my education. I am so grateful to feel fulfilled daily by providing compassionate care to our patients everyday. Kellie from SHARE was instrumental in helping me find the best clinic for me! She truly is invested in the MA Apprenticeship Program. Kellie and SHARE are constantly looking into ways to help UMass Memorial employees advance their careers.”
The MA Apprenticeship program includes seven weeks of classroom work at Quinsigamond Community College, which lauds the graduates on their own website, here. Coursework is followed by one year working as a Medical Assistant in a clinic with preceptor support. Participants must then pass a national exam.
The second group of MAs is currently performing their apprenticeship; a third cohort is just beginning, and we’re looking forward to more.
SHARE leaders have worked hard to help establish this apprenticeship and make it work well, knowing that the earn-and-learn aspect of these kinds of programs make it possible for SHARE members who might not otherwise be able to find the time and money to go back to school.
SHARE Organizer Kellie Morton puts it like this, “On behalf of SHARE, I would like to congratulate the first class of UMass Memorial’s Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program. I’ve watched how hard you have worked and how dedicated you have been to achieving this goal. I am so proud of you! SHARE is so proud of this program, and proud of all of you!”
It’s true. SHARE is extremely proud of all of the MA Apprenticeship Program participants, and is especially happy to recognize this pioneering first cohort. Congratulations, graduates!
