SOWELA to Offer Clinical Medical Assistant Training in Jennings

SOWELA Technical Community College will offer its Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) training program for the first time at the Morgan Smith site in Jennings, LA. The four-month class starts Monday, August 5. After the program, successful students can enter the workforce as certified clinical medical assistants.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of Medical Assistants is projected to grow 14 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

SOWELA’s Medical Assistant training program prepares students for employment in care facilities, home health agencies, and hospitals where primary bedside nursing care is needed. Students are introduced to health care, basic nursing skills, body structure and function. They can also earn Phlebotomy, EKG, and Basic Life Support (CPR) certifications.

After completing coursework, including hands-on training, students sit for the CMA Certification Exam. This rigorous assessment consists of 200 multiple-choice questions administered in four 40-minute segments. It requires a thorough, broad and current understanding of healthcare delivery.

The cost of the training is $3,999. Scholarships and financial aid are available for those who qualify, including the new Behavioral Health Careers Scholarship worth up to $1,000.

An informational session will be offered on Tuesday, June 18, at 5 p.m. to learn more about CMA and other programs leading to behavioral health careers. The event is open to the public, and interested individuals should register here. SOWELA will hold the event at its Main Campus, Sycamore Student Center, 3824 Sen. J. Bennett Johnston Ave., Lake Charles, LA 70615.

For more information about CMA Training, visit CMA or contact SOWELA’s Workforce Solutions Office at (337) 421-6560 or workforce@sowela.edu.