BATON ROUGE, LA — March 21, 2019 — Today, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome announced plans to expand Ochsner’s Medical Assistant (MA) Training Program in East Baton Rouge Parish through a partnership with Ochsner Health System, Employ BR, and Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC). The MA Now Program is tuition-free and open to East Baton Rouge Parish residents ages 18 and older through funding provided by the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Originally launched in New Orleans in 2013, the six-month training program features accelerated classroom, clinical, and on-the-job training, and addresses both the need for Certified MAs and to build additional career pathways. The program includes certification training for students in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Phlebotomy, and EKG.
All interested applicants are required to attend one of two information sessions open to the public on Thursday, March 28, 2019.
What: Become a Medical Assistant at Ochsner Health System – Info Session
When: Thursday, March 28, 2019, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. **Must attend one session to qualify**
Where: BRCC Automotive Training Center (ATC), 2115 Lobdell Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Applications for the MA Now Program are due by 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2019, in an East Baton Rouge American Job Center: 1991 Wooddale Blvd. (225-925-4312) or 4523 Plank Road (225-358-4579). The East Baton Rouge American Job Centers will also recruit applicants for clinical MA training, which will be held in the BRCC Automotive Training Center.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer high school graduates this opportunity to enter the healthcare workforce tuition-free,” said Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome. “This public-private partnership with Ochsner and BRCC is a prime example of the progress we can make as a community when we work together to achieve a common goal.”
To be eligible to apply, the applicant must have a high school diploma or equivalency, successful completion of drug screen and criminal background check, and ability to commit to the six-month program.* After successfully completing the program and hiring requirements, 100 percent of graduates will have the opportunity to interview for positions as a full-time MA at one of Ochsner’s Health Centers or employed as a phlebotomist or EKG monitor.
“Entry into the healthcare field via an MA position serves as a gateway into other allied health professions,” stated Eric McMillen, CEO, Ochsner Baton Rouge. “We hope this program appeals to many people looking for entry into a rewarding career in health care.”
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistant is one of the nation's fastest-growing careers, contributing to job growth across the country. In addition, MA is an in-demand position within Ochsner Health System.
“Baton Rouge Community College is proud to partner with the City of Baton Rouge and Ochsner in their expansion of their Medical Assistant Training Program,” said BRCC Chancellor Dr. Larissa Littleton-Steib.
“Giving students affordable or no-cost workforce training absolutely aligns with BRCC’s mission. Further, the opportunity for all of the program’s graduates to be seriously considered for full-time positions at one of Ochsner’s Health speaks highly to our goal of building Louisiana’s workforce from within.”
Since its inception, more than 100 individuals have completed the MA Training Program, with 94 percent currently employed at Ochsner today. All Ochsner MAs also receive additional MA training after they are hired to further develop their skills and increase their scope of practice. For any questions about the program, please email workforce@ocshner.org.
*East Baton Rouge Parish residents interested in applying for the MA Training Program must be 18 years or older AND meet Low Income Guidelines to qualify.