Machias and Calais – When Down East Community Hospital and Calais Community Hospital’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant In-Training (CCMAIT) program launched earlier this year, five individuals stepped forward with different backgrounds, experiences, and dreams. Nine weeks later, they walked out not just with new skills, but with a new future in healthcare. We are thrilled to celebrate their achievement and excited to announce that all five graduates are now working as Certified Medical Assistants across our community.
We are proud to share the success of the very first CCMAIT Program at Down East Community Hospital. After months of dedicated work, all five students successfully completed the program. The students progressed at their own pace, testing for certification anywhere between week 7 and week 9. Each left with a nationally recognized certification from the National Health Career Association.
Program Highlights
On the first day of training, the students become employees of DECH/CCH which means they are paid an hourly rate and are eligible for full health, dental, and vision benefits. They also begin accruing time off. Each student signs an agreement to be employed by us for at least 2 years which is crucial to the program’s success. Everyone is fully employed for the duration of the program and, upon successful completion of the program, are placed in one of our practices.
The CCMAIT curriculum was demanding: nine to twelve weeks of classroom learning and clinical practice covering medical ethics, administrative functions, communication skills, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and hands-on clinical training.
Over the course of the program are classroom lectures, combined with online learning and hands-on clinical practice, the students gained strong foundations in:
- Medical Ethics and Legal Fundamentals
- Administrative Functions
- Professionalism and Communication Skills
- Clinical Skills
- Medical Terminology, Anatomy, and Physiology
The 5 graduates came from across the county and from many different backgrounds; one was a former CNA, one a pharmacy technician, a veterinary technician, a seafood worker, and a food services worker. Now, all are CCMAs and are working at Baileyville Medical Center, Down East Health Center and Arnold Memorial Medical Center.
From seasoned professionals building on their foundation, to brand-new learners proving what’s possible, this first CCMAIT cohort shows what happens when opportunity meets commitment. The success of this first cohort demonstrates the power of education, mentorship, and opportunity. We are proud of these graduates and look forward to seeing their continued impact on the patients and communities we serve.
This is not just the story of five students — it’s the story of what’s possible for our workforce and our patients when we invest in education and growth. We have already started taking applications for our next class which will begin on November 3.