At Towson University Continuing & Professional Studies, we are inspired by students who go above and beyond to achieve their professional goals. Madelyn Kissinger is a student-athlete at Washington College who pursued a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification to start building real experience in healthcare to pursue physician assistant school. Read on to learn more about Madelyn’s story.
Tell us a little about your background.
I am a junior student-athlete on the lacrosse team at Washington College, where I am majoring in biology and planning to declare minors in both public health and psychology. I grew up in the Towson area, and I’m an aspiring physician assistant.
What prompted you to pursue a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification ?
I decided to pursue a CCMA certification so I could gain high-quality patient care hours for physician assistant school and start building real experience in healthcare.
Why did you choose the CCMA program at Towson University?
I chose the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Program from Towson University Continuing and Professional Studies because it was in-person, close to home and fit perfectly into my summer schedule.
What did you gain from our program?
I gained so much from this program — strong relationships with my instructors, confidence in my skills and a clear sense of direction for my future in medicine. Most importantly, I left with the clinical and professional skills I need to succeed as a medical assistant such as taking vital signs, phlebotomy, performing EKGs, communicating with patients and maintaining accurate documentation.
How does the CCMA program fit into your career goals?
This program has given me a strong foundation of knowledge to succeed in medical assisting while helping me gain experience in healthcare as I prepare to apply to physician assistant school. It has helped me grow into a more competitive, well-rounded candidate, but more importantly, it has allowed me to truly discover my passion for patient care.
How did the instructors help prepare you for the certification exam?
My instructors, Dr. Susan King and Prof. Helen Jarboe, were the best! Their passion for teaching really stood out — they were thorough, encouraging and taught us how to be professional. They even gave us their contact information so we could come in outside of class to practice skills. They created an environment that made learning exciting and supportive. Even when I doubted myself, they believed in me. Being around them made my own passion for patient care grow — it was contagious! Their support made me feel well-prepared and confident for the certification exam.
Did you take your certification exam yet? Did you pass?
Yes! I took the exam about a week after finishing my four-week externship, and I’m happy to say that I passed!
Can you talk about the externship and how it may have helped with certification?
The externship was the perfect opportunity to put classroom learning into practice. I learn best by doing, so being able to apply the skills I had learned made everything click and gave me more confidence heading into the exam.
What’s next for your education and career path?
I still have two years left of undergrad. During college breaks, I plan to come home and work as a medical assistant in family medicine. After graduation, my goal is to continue working as a medical assistant full-time until I start physician assistant school a few years later.
Would you recommend a continuing education course to others looking to advance their goals and careers?
I would strongly encourage anyone to take a continuing education course. They’re short, incredibly valuable and give you both skills and confidence. You’ll meet amazing instructors and peers, and you’ll leave as a stronger, more competent candidate for future opportunities.
