AVA, Mo., and ROLLA, Mo., December 5, 2023 – Drury GO, Drury University’s evening and online program, will collaborate with Missouri Ozarks Community Health in Ava and Four Rivers Community Health in Rolla to offer two new pre-certification programs in high-demand employment sectors: dental assisting and clinical medical assisting. These programs will provide students with comprehensive training, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in these rapidly growing fields. Missouri Ozarks Community Health and Four Rivers Community Health will both hold classes in their respective buildings.
“We are excited to partner with Missouri Ozarks Community Health and Four Rivers Community Health to offer these pre-certification programs,” said James Ackerman, Senior Associate Vice President for Drury GO. “These programs are designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the healthcare industry. By providing comprehensive training and hands-on experiences, we aim to empower our students and prepare them for successful careers in dental assisting and clinical medical assisting.”
The Dental Assistant program, can be completed in nine-to-ten weeks, preparing students for entry-level positions in one of the fastest-growing healthcare professions. With a national shortage of healthcare professionals, the demand for dental assistants is on the rise. This program covers various areas, including clinical dentistry, radiology, infection control and administrative skills. Students who complete this program will be prepared to take the industry-recognized certification exams essential for employment in the dental assistant profession.
The Clinical Medical Assistant certification course can be completed in four-to-six months. This program prepares students to work in multiple healthcare settings, including physician’s offices, clinics, hospitals and outpatient facilities. Students will gain expertise in clinical tasks such as medication administration, EKG electrocardiograms, laboratory specimen collection and more. After completing the program, students will be eligible to take the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam.
“These two new programs will provide opportunities for skills training locally by preparing individuals in our communities for employment and career advancement in healthcare,” said Tim Shryack Chief Executive Officer, Missouri Ozarks Community Health. “We are thrilled to partner with Drury University in workforce development and are thankful for the excellent educational programs they provide at the MOCH Wellness Center in Ava.”
Both programs provide optional volunteer externship opportunities, allowing students to gain valuable hands-on experience and making them more competitive in the job market. They will have the chance to collaborate with local companies, agencies and organizations, aligning their work with their area of study.
“We are excited to join forces with Drury University to bring these valuable pre-certification programs to our community and we believe they will significantly contribute to the workforce in the communities we serve,” said Stuart Gipson Chief Executive Officer, Four Rivers Community Health Center. “This partnership will allow Four Rivers, and other employers in the community to hire well trained staff to continue the missions of our organizations. We are confident that this partnership will make Four Rivers and our community stronger for years to come.”
In addition to the added programs at the new Four Rivers Families facility, Drury GO’s Rolla campus will move its administrative offices and other course offerings to the location. Students of any program can visit Four Rivers Families for assistance.
Enrollment for both programs is currently open, with classes scheduled to begin in January 2024. Both programs are eligible for the Missouri Fast Track Grant and SkillUP Program funding, offering a potential opportunity for students to pursue their education at no cost.
Those interested in the programs are invited to attend upcoming information sessions.
To RSVP or for more information, please visit https://www.drury.edu/go/cert-program-opportunities/.
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Media Contact: Jasmine Cooper, Executive Director of University Communications and Media Relations, Office: (417) 873-7390, Email: JCooper020@drury.edu
