Concorde-Dallas Receives National Award for Medical Assisting Certification Excellence

Concorde Career College's Medical Assistant programs in Dallas was recently awarded the distinguished National "Lamp of Learning" award by the National Association of Health Professionals (NAHP) for achieving "success on a level that far exceeds the national average."

"Out of nearly 260 testing sites, Concorde [Dallas] was just one of four schools to receive the award for achieving outstanding success during the 2017 certification testing year," according to Monica Haney, the NAHP's Certification Director.

The award was based on the exam pass rates to become a Nationally Registered Certified: Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy Technician, Coding Specialist, or Administrative Health Assistant.

Mission accomplished

"This is a huge honor and we're so proud of our students and medical assisting instructors," said Erin Henry, Concorde - Dallas' Campus President, "Certification and placement rates are our moral report card for how we're performing as a college."

"That's why students come here - to pursue their desire to be a contributing member of the health care community. This award is such a humbling validation that we're walking out our mission well."

The NAHP cites the NRCMA as a designation that "demonstrates to colleagues, patients, employers and the public at large that certified individuals have the administrative and clinical knowledge and proficiency required of the medical assistant professional in physician and health care practice settings."

In a nutshell, "certification validates the education that a graduate receives," said Haney.

A culture of caring

In all the schools she's worked with Haney points out that pass rates like the ones that Concorde has achieved don't happen by accident.

"Our Lamp of Learning recipient schools tend to have review sessions and really seem to care," said Haney, "I've been really impressed with how well June [Concorde - Dallas' MA Program Director] and the instructors work to help ensure students are where they need to be to succeed in the field."

"There is such a spirit of collaboration and teamwork in the medical assisting department," said Henry, "From emotional support, tutoring, creative teaching methods through Jeopardy-type games our students really seem to enjoy being part of the program."

"One of my favorite days is when we do what's called a 'clap out' for our senior students heading off to externship," said Henry. "It's sort of a rite of passage. Students make posters and there's so much cheering and pride as students head out to put their skills into practice at local hospitals and offices in the community. New students are motivated with the thought 'that will be me one day!'"

Thinking about becoming a medical assistant yourself?

There's never been a better time! The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the demand for well-qualified medical assistants to grow by nearly 29% through 2026.

In as few as eight months, you could be on your way to a fulfilling career in healthcare, enriching lives and promoting wellness in your local community.

Pictured from left to right are Rosa Jimenez, MA Instructor, Denise Chenaul, MA Instructor, June Holly, MA Program Director and, Martha Moorehead, MA instructor.