AHEAD-AZ Medical Assistant Training Program

Do you want to be a medical assistant?

NOAH is launching Cohort 3 of the AHEAD-AZ Medical Assistant Training Program in partnership with the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers (AACHC). AHEAD-AZ is a fast-track program designed to provide students with the necessary skills to work as a medical assistant. Over six months, students will attend virtual classes followed by 120 clinical hours at a NOAH Health Center. Students will learn computer skills, vital sign measurement and recording, ECGs, laboratory testing, blood draws, injections, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, coding, appointment scheduling, CPR and first aid, psychology, and medical record management. This accredited program will be taught by the Regional Center for Border Health and is valued at $10,000 but will be covered by grant funding and provided at no cost to participating NOAH employees. 

Cohort 3 – Application Deadline:
Friday, August 18 at 5 p.m.

  • 3 scholarships for students to participate in the program.
  • Up to 3 preceptors will be selected to support and train students.
  • 6-month program includes approximately nine hours of online instruction per week. 
  • Curriculum and certification paid by NOAH through a grant from AACHC.
  • Paid time for all training and clinical hours.
  • Placement opportunities for medical assistant positions.

Prospective Student - Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Applicants must have at least 90 days of employment with NOAH. If you are close to 90 days, please reach out to your supervisor to discuss.
  2. Employees on a corrective action plan are not eligible to apply.
  3. If a participant is not working in a clinic/patient facing role, they will need to obtain an Arizona fingerprint clearance card to complete the clinical hours. NOAH will cover this cost.
  4. Participants will commit to maintaining employment with NOAH during the AHEAD-AZ program and for one year following program completion.
  5. Applicants will need to have supervisor approval to participate in the program.

The grant funding does not require that the MA receive their certification.  It is highly encouraged to have the MA obtain their certification as grant funds will cover the cost of testing/certification.  We anticipate everyone will pass the MA training. If progress becomes an issue, the preceptor will work with the student to address any barriers to successfully completing the program.

Placement in an MA role is not guaranteed upon completion of the program, however, participants are expected to seek MA roles with NOAH upon completion of the program.

Yes, we are expecting the new MAs to fill vacancies in clinic (not virtual care) and we have openings at all clinics.

Please email Eric Glinz, Human Resources Business Partner, at eglinz@noahhelps.org with any questions regarding MA roles, benefits, and compensation.

 

Students will be paid and complete their coursework/clinicals during their regular work hours. There may be additional hours the student may decide they need to practice in order to enhance their clinical skills (work Saturday clinic, participate in community outreach events), this participation is on a volunteer basis. 

AHEAD-AZ Medical Assistant Training Program: Cohort 3

September 11, 2023 – February 9, 2024
(No classes 12/25 to 12/29)

Online classes will be held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3pm-6pm.

The Regional Center for Border Health has developed the curriculum, clinical skills checklist, preceptor requirements, and course schedule.  All of these materials are loaded to the Student Portal.  Copies of these materials can be obtained from students participating in the program. 

Please reach out to Zakiya Milton, Workforce Coordinator at zamilton@noahhelps.org.

Preceptor - Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Applicants must have at least 90 days of employment with NOAH.
  2. Staff on a corrective action plan are not eligible to apply.
  3. Preceptors must be working in a clinic.
  4. Preceptors should communicate their interest in serving in this role to their supervisor.
  5. Commitment to continue as a preceptor through completion of the training program.

The Regional Center for Border Health is the lead on the training.  We are working to obtain more detailed information and will share as soon as possible.  The Regional Center for Border Health will host orientation trainings for students and preceptors.

Yes, preceptors will be limited to supporting two students.

Preceptors will receive a $1,000 stipend for participating in the MA training program.

Preceptors will be selected once student participation has been confirmed. If you are interested in being considered for a preceptor role, please let your supervisor know.