The healthcare industry is experiencing a surge in demand and Medical Assistants are a vital part of keeping offices and clinics running smoothly. These are the people who lessen the day-to-day burden on doctors and nurses by handling administrative and clinical tasks.

Jamie Zurenko is the Medical Assistant Program Coordinator and Instructor at the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center (GACTC), preparing her students to enter into the in-demand field. And her students come away with a wide range of knowledge to help them in the medical field.

In our area, there’s a great need for phlebotomists and medical assistants,” Jamie said. “We have employers calling all the time looking for recent graduates.

The GACTC Medical Assistant program includes training in a wide array of specialties, including everything from anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and administrative functions, such as scheduling, medical coding, billing, and insurance procedures.
Medical Assistants also perform important hands-on clinical procedures. Jamie trains her students on how to safely administer injections, EKGs, phlebotomy, and accurately interpret laboratory results.

Jamie has spent her career as a Medical Assistant and Practice Manager in a variety of healthcare settings as well as an instructor teaching these skills at various learning institutions. Her experience in these roles has given her the ability to connect with students in ways that not only help them succeed but also create a bond that makes the learning process easier.

If you like to help people, and you like a standard Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm schedule, Medical Assistant is a good career fit. It’s also a great stepping stone for people that want to get into the medical field, but aren’t sure where to begin.

Our curriculum reflects the latest advancements in patient care and efficiency, ensuring you graduate with the skills employers seek. We offer two program options to fit your learning style:

• Traditional Program: Gain a strong foundation with in-person classes four days a week. This intensive format is ideal for those who thrive in a classroom setting.
• Hybrid Program: Enjoy maximum flexibility with a blend of online learning and hands-on training. Attend in-person classes twice a week for practical skills, and complete other coursework conveniently online.

No matter which path you choose, you’ll benefit from our comprehensive learning materials and expert instructors like Jamie.