Sometime next year, Sherenthia Davis, of Brooklyn, expects to be administering medication, assisting with minor medical procedures, providing patient education and more, thanks to the new Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) course offered by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center’s (ESLC) Workforce Development Program. SIUE is offering the course in partnership with the St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department.
“I’m hoping this program will help me to develop a career and not just be a means to get another job,” said Davis. “I have worked at all kinds of jobs such as cosmetology, receptionist, dock loading, retail and home healthcare. There aren’t too many things I haven’t done.”
Davis is one of 17 students in the new program that began Oct. 8 and will end Feb. 22, 2019. Jackie Brooks, of Bell-Brown Medical Institute in St. Louis, is the program instructor. Vera Jones, ESLC Workforce Development career counselor, is the program coordinator.
“The healthcare system is rapidly growing. The skills of a medical assistant are in demand in hospitals and clinics across the country,” said Jones. “The CMA certification is providing the unemployed and underemployed an opportunity for a burgeoning career and higher wages.”
The CMA course consists of lecture and lab classes. The diploma-based program meets five days per week, for four-hour sessions. A four-week externship is required to successfully complete the program.
“The CMA program provides students with the knowledge and clinical skills necessary to function as vital members of a healthcare team,” continued Jones. “Clinical medical assistants work to administer medications, assist with minor procedures, obtain laboratory specimens, perform electrocardiograms, provide patient education, perform phlebotomy procedures, prepare rooms and prepare patients for examinations.”
“Clinical medical assistants may also assist nurses and physicians to provide direct patient care by taking medical histories, charting vitals and assisting in examinations and procedures,” she added. “In some cases, clinical medical assistants may perform more advanced tasks under the supervision of a physician, which may include cleaning and dressing wounds, removing sutures, collecting blood and other specimens, as well as administering medication.”
Students are provided the opportunity to take the National Healthcareer Association’s certification exam to become recognized as a clinical medical assistant, receive a blood-borne pathogen training certification and the American Red Cross’ basic life support CPR and healthcare provider certification.
“This program is attractive for many students, because it is accelerated. Students can secure three certifications in six months,” said Johanna Jones, director of Workforce Development and Strategic Partnerships at the ESLC. “In addition, it is a full-time evening program meeting the needs of non-traditional students who also work full-time. We already have a waiting list for this program.”
“The program is wonderful, and my teacher is great,” said Davis. “She explains things as simply as she can. She will tutor you, and work with you in any way. It’s wonderful to have someone give so much support.”
Davis keeps going in spite of challenging circumstances because of the encouragement of the CMA staff and her desire to give her children more.
“I work as a home healthcare aide from about 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Then I have the CMA class from 5:30-9:30 p.m., and I work at FedEx on the loading dock from 10 p.m.-7:30 a.m.,” said the mother of five children, ages 4-23. Davis’ 4-year-old daughter, Kharie Shelby, has been at the SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start’s Discovery Center for Little Scholars since she was born.
“I want to take care of my family, not live from paycheck to paycheck. I strive to be a good role model for my children,” said Davis.
With a focus on empowering people and strengthening communities, the SIUE East St. Louis Center is dedicated to improving the lives of families and individuals—from pre-school through adult—in the Metro East region. The Center offers programs that give the community renewed hope and an opportunity to reach educational, career and life goals. It does so by providing comprehensive programs, services and training in the areas of education, health, social services and the arts.
Photos courtesy of Vera Jones:
Practicing CPR techniques are Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) program students (L-R) Janessa Avery, Amanda Ellis and Taraha Simms.
CMS student Shumara Appleby, left, works on a dummy as Darnesha Hinkle looks on.