Drexel Offers New Professional Pathways with Inaugural Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Cohort

The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Apprenticeship (CCMA) creates an opportunity for those who are underrepresented and from the local community to gain access to quality careers in health care. CCMA Apprenticeship is an interdisciplinary collaboration between Drexel University’s Office of University and Community Partnerships, the Goodwin College of Professional Studies, the College of Medicine, the College of Nursing and Health Professions and external industry partners to employ and educate apprentices.

Sixteen apprentices hired by Esperanza Healthcare, Jefferson and Nemours Children’s Hospitals will work in their field and take classes at Drexel as the inaugural cohort. Drexel apprentices begin working immediately with employer partners, earning family sustaining wages, industry certifications and gaining new workplace skills. Recruiting for the next cohort will being in the Spring of 2025 and 15 apprentices will be admitted to start working and taking classes in July.

CCMA apprentices are contracted by health care providers to work full-time for one year while completing a combination of online Drexel classes, on-the-job training and in-person clinical training on Drexel’s campus with instructors from the College of Medicine. The inaugural CCMA cohort is embedded in Esperanza Healthcare, Jefferson Hospital and Nemours Children’s Hospital – with hopes to expand and add additional health care industry partners across the state.  

After 12-months of training, CCMA apprentices will take a National Healthcareer Association certifying exam, to become fully licensed CCMA practitioners. Graduates will also receive journeyworker papers from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor, validating their completion of the Pennsylvania Registered Apprenticeship Program.

By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative practices, the CCMA program ensures students are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the health care industry, enhancing patient care and advancing health equity in Philadelphia and beyond,” said Kymberlee Montgomery, DNP, senior associate dean of Nursing and clinical professor in Drexel’s College of Nursing and Health Professions. “As a practicing women’s health nurse practitioner, medical assistants are indispensable to clinical practice, dramatically enhancing efficiency and patient care quality. They set the tone for the patient experience and bridge the gap between patients and providers through critical clinical and administrative support. Their versatile skills ensure health care facilities operate seamlessly, significantly improving workflow and patient satisfaction."

The employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 27%  from 2022 to 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – and demand will continue to grow as health care facilities navigate increased regulations and guidelines in the industry.  

“Goodwin's apprenticeships align with our mission to provide equitable access to a high-quality, career-focused education informed by Drexel’s long tradition of experiential learning, preparing organizations and students of all backgrounds to find success and fulfillment in the workforce,” said Kena Sears-Brown, director of Continuing Professional Education & Workforce Initiatives in Goodwin College.

Certified Clinical Medical Assistants are listed as one of Pennsylvania’s 2024 High Priority Occupations, a list generated to align workforce training and education investments with occupations that are in demand by employers, have higher skill needs and are most likely to provide family sustaining wages. Certified Clinical Medical Assistants can be found working in clinics, private practices, hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities across the country. The Drexel CCMA is registered with the PA Apprenticeship Training Office.