Posted:

November 04, 2016

The Medical Assistant program at Century College was recently recognized by the Minnesota State system with the Excellence in Curriculum Programming award at the annual Academic and Student Affairs Leadership Conference.

The Excellence in Curriculum Programming award is given to a program that produces graduates ready to take on the challenges of life after college, and demonstrates that it is in demand through consistently high enrollment, graduation rates and employment outcomes.   

Student enrollment in the Medical Assistant program at Century College has grown steadily over the past three years, even as enrollment, on average, at two-year colleges have declined. Over the last five years, the program has averaged a 90 percent retention rate of students, and 79 percent of graduates are employed in the Medical Assistant field in their first year. According to a report completed by the Medical Assisting Education Review Board, Century College Medical Assistant graduates and their employers reported a 100 percent satisfaction rate in the education delivered and preparedness for work.  

“We take pride in offering a Medical Assistant program at Century College that assists students in becoming successful graduates and obtaining excellent employment in a highly recognized booming field,” states Medical Assistant Program Director Michelle Blesi. “We also take pride in knowing that we are offering a program that prepares graduates that employers feel confident hiring.”

In addition to program outcomes, the Excellence in Curriculum Programming award recognizes the many aspects that contribute to a vibrant, well-rounded program, such as technology, faculty-student interaction, student achievement, external support, collaboration, and inclusivity.

“There are many variables that go into building a successful program and educational experience for students,” shares Blesi. “We focus on the integration of technology into our curriculum, including online and hybrid course offerings. We are intentional about providing continual and valuable faculty-student interactions. We collaborate with employers and other college departments to enrich and expand our curriculum. And we are committed to providing and fostering an environment of inclusivity through activities both in and out of the classroom.”      
 
The Medical Assistant program at Century College is a 51-credit diploma program that can be completed in 3 semesters. The Medical Assistant program was named the 2016-17 #1 Medical Assisting program in the Nation by Top Medical Assistants Programs based on program costs, high graduation and retention rates and minimal difference in tuition fees. The program earned a 100 percent rating from the evaluation.
 
Learn more about the Medical Assistant program.