Riverwood Healthcare Center is proud to highlight the success of its Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Externship Program as two local students, Anika and Morgan Just, have completed their CMA training in eight months.
Riverwood’s CMA program removes barriers to entering healthcare by fully funding the one-year CMA training for selected candidates in exchange for a two-year employment commitment. Students gain hands-on experience by working in Riverwood clinics while completing online coursework.
For Anika, the program opened the door to a lifelong passion for surgical care. She works in Riverwood’s General Surgery department and has already set sights on continuing her education as a certified surgical technologist after fulfilling her two-year commitment. “The CMA provides a perfect opportunity to explore the healthcare profession without investing a large amount of time and money into a four-year degree,” states Anika.
“Riverwood feels like family, in a sense. The best part of my job is getting to see my patient’s quality of life improve,” Anika shared. “Riverwood prioritizes patient care above anything else, and I count myself blessed to be able to be a small part of that.”
Morgan, who works in Orthopedics, discovered her call to nursing during an early shadowing experience at Riverwood. Inspired by her time in the clinical setting, she has since enrolled in a nursing program and is committed to advancing her career.
“Ever since I was little, I wanted to be a nurse,” Morgan said. “When I graduated from high school, I wasn’t sure I was ready to commit to nursing school. After spending a few days shadowing at Riverwood, I realized healthcare truly was where I wanted to be.”
She added, “The nursing staff and providers have been amazing teachers. I’ve learned a lot that I will take with me as I pursue my professional goals. It has been fulfilling to provide a high level of care to the community and see patients return to an active and productive lifestyle.”
Riverwood’s CMA Externship Program offers participants full funding for CMA coursework, paid on-site clinical experience, a pathway into long-term healthcare careers, and supportive mentorship from Riverwood’s providers and clinical teams.
“Programs like this not only help us grow our workforce, but they empower local students to build meaningful careers,” said Dan Schletty, Director of Ambulatory Services. “We’re incredibly proud of Anika and Morgan and excited to support their continued journeys in healthcare.”
For more information about the CMA Externship Program, contact Christy Hammer, Education Coordinator at 218-927-8282. To learn more about or other career opportunities at Riverwood, visit our careers page.