Haywood Regional Medical Center announced on Apr. 8 that 19 team members from its employed physician clinics have earned their Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credentials after completing an onsite career development program in partnership with WNC Edutech.
The initiative aims to help healthcare workers advance their skills and support the delivery of quality patient care by making certification accessible within the local community. Certified medical assistants are recognized for meeting national standards of knowledge and competency, which can improve consistency and safety in clinical settings.
WNC Edutech, based in North Carolina, provided hands-on training and preparation for national certification exams directly within clinic environments. This allowed participants to continue working with patients while pursuing professional growth through the Clinical Medical Assistant program.
Medical assistants play a key role in supporting both clinical and administrative tasks, such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, assisting providers, and managing patient flow. The new CMAs completed accredited training programs and passed nationally recognized certification exams as part of this effort.
“We’re incredibly proud of these team members for their dedication to both their patients and professional growth,” said Sue Shugart, FACHE, CPPS, chief executive officer of Haywood Regional Medical Center. “Opportunities like this reflect our ongoing commitment to investing in our workforce and ensuring our community continues to have access to high-quality care. We appreciate WNC Edutech for partnering with us to make this possible.”
The newly certified medical assistants represent several practices across the region: Waynesville Family Practice (Madelyn Gentry, Kendra Buckner), Mountain Medical Associates (Jamie Bullman, Jurnee Connor, Amelia Westhoven, Kelly Weldon, Teresa Wilkison), Western Carolina Orthopedics (Gloria Brown, Terri Few, Caitlin MacBlain), Mountain Spine (Lisa Beaupre Simpson, Hope Anthony, Cyndy Brown, Brittney Owen, Andrea Ferguson), Western Carolina Cardiology (Sarah Norwood, Jamie Burgess, Angela Saunders), and Mountain Pediatrics (Richi Tannerhill).
Haywood Regional Medical Center said it is committed to fostering a culture where staff feel supported and empowered to grow professionally.
