Virtua Health marked a significant milestone in its workforce development efforts on Dec. 18, as it honored the first graduating class of its newly launched Medical Assistant (MA) Program. The ceremony, held at the Be Well Bistro in Marlton, celebrated a diverse group of students who completed an intensive 10-week training regimen designed to bridge the gap between community members and clinical careers.
The program was established to strengthen care teams and create accessible pathways into the health care industry. By providing hands-on training and a month-long clinical rotation, Virtua aimed to build a sustainable pipeline of talent for its Virtua Medical Group (VMG) offices.
The inaugural cohort featured a wide range of backgrounds, from recent high school graduates to seasoned professionals seeking a second act. To ensure the program remained affordable, Virtua structured the $1,665 tuition with a unique reimbursement model: graduates who remained with the system for one year received $1,500 back, making the net cost of the certification highly accessible.
“This initiative reduced turnover while opening doors to fulfilling healthcare careers,” said Maryann Carter, Manager of Virtua’s Medical Assistant/Patient Care Technician Education Program. “By offering an accessible, community-based program, we created a welcoming pathway for those exploring their future.”
The first class highlighted the program’s broad appeal:
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Sydney Brooks, 28, used the program as a stepping stone toward her dream of becoming a registered nurse in labor and delivery. As a mother, she found the program’s timeline and cost more manageable than a traditional four-year degree.
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Patricia DeSantis, 73, joined the program after a 23-year career as a paramedic. After a period of retirement to care for her mother, she sought a way to return to patient care that was less physically demanding than emergency response.
Several graduates were already Virtua employees who transitioned from non-clinical roles in security, the hospital gift shop, and the child development center.
The Medical Assistant Program joined Virtua’s existing residency programs and its affiliation with Rowan University as part of a broader strategy to foster immersive education in South Jersey.
“The MA program provided our students with the opportunity to develop skills and secure employment,” said AnneMarie Palatnik, Virtua Vice President of Clinical Learning & Research. “Our graduates are well-trained and contributing members of our staff, providing excellent care to our patients.”
By the time of graduation, students had already participated in interviews for positions within the health system, ensuring a seamless transition from the classroom to the clinic.
