Medical Assistant Training through Regional Occupational Programs

Vocational training institutions that qualify can receive educational funding from the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration’s Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) grant, which is then used to provide completely free vocational training, including medical assisting instruction, to those who qualify, either at an approved job training site, or in a qualified medical assistant job training program.

"Regional Occupational Programs (ROP) is geared toward High School students in their senior year, however, if slots remain open they fill them with adults. It is so nice to see the adults and HS students work together. It is state-funded, paid for by ADA (average daily attendance) just like any other public school. HOSA is the organization that the HS students can join. We participate in community activities such as the State wide disaster drills. The students are the actors! What an incredible opportunity for all. The learning experience is awesome.

I like the way ROP has training throughout the program. We share many good and bad situations and talk about what they see in "real" life, for example... "I never saw the MA wash her hands, should I say something?" That leads us back into infection control again and again. We use the different syringes and discuss and draw up especially when it comes to epinephrine (Epi). We use the PDR. I have former students come back as my assistants - they really help.

ROP student medical assistants have a strict dress code and I do random inspections. I show up at their job sites and check their training plans - and I will pull them from a site if the medical office supervisor isn't doing the training.

A teacher has to have the passion to share and care not only today, but the rest of their life. Nothing makes me feel better than going to a job site and see a former student working. However, I found that students under 18 do not benefit from the program because they are unable to draw blood, or give injections."

More info about Regional Occupation Programs in California

Which Programs Are Approved and Accredited?

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) approve vocational training programs in the USA. In 2005, there were over 500 medical assisting programs accredited by CAAHEP, and about 170 accredited by ABHES. The Committee on Accreditation for Ophthalmic Medical Personnel approves ophthalmic medical assisting programs. In 2005 there were only 17 programs approved specifically in ophthalmic medical assisting, and just two programs in ophthalmic clinical assisting.

Are there Any Other Federal Programs and Initiatives?

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Several provisions under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) (HR 3590) are designed to expand access to healthcare services requiring new and updated skill sets for a range of healthcare occupations including nursing assistants, personal and home health aides, as well as, allied health professions such as health information technology (HIT), and clinical lab technicians and technologists. Additional information about the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' investments through the American Recovery and Reivestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) are also listed below.

- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the National Coordinator for Health 
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Children and Families (ACF)

http://www.doleta.gov/BRG/Indprof/Health.cfm