Last week, the Rowan University/Rutgers-Camden Joint Board of Governors celebrated the recent graduates of the Certified Medical Assistant Pathways Program.
The 13 graduates are Camden City residents who graduated from Camden City high schools in 2024 and have completed the CMA training program at Camden County College.
“This is a rigorous program that takes hard work and dedication,” Joint Board CEO Jeffrey Nash said. “This program has connected Camden’s youth with wonderful employment opportunities at some of the region’s largest healthcare facilities including Cooper University Healthcare. These students have shown that they are committed, passionate healthcare professionals and we are thrilled to see what is in store for their futures.”
Graduate Zaida Mercado discussed how the program’s elements helped her succeed in completing the training.
“The instructors wanted everyone to succeed; they were really good about making sure we understood the material before moving on and we could always go to them for extra help,” said Mercado, who graduated from Brimm Medical Arts High School in 2024. “My coach encouraged me throughout my whole time in the program, to stay dedicated, to continue working hard to finish the program, to pursue my goals, and to not to let anything stop me.”
Mercado completed her six-week externship at Cooper’s MD Anderson Cancer Center as part of the program.
The Certified Medical Assistant Pathways Program was created in 2016 to allow Camden’s youth to access career opportunities at the major healthcare institutions that call Camden City home. The program provides paid training, one-to-one mentorship, and full tuition for Camden City high school graduates. The program is a collaborative effort between the Joint Board, Camden County College, Center for Family Services, Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers, Camden City School District, and various health care employers.
