Glenn Medical Assistant Program

The Program of Practice

In 2009, Glenn County—a small rural community in Northern California—lacked accessible career training programs for adults, particularly in high-demand sectors like healthcare. The region faced a critical shortage of healthcare workers, and adult learners, including English Language Learners, individuals returning to school, and those from low-income or underserved backgrounds, had limited pathways to gain employable skills or industry-recognized credentials.

The Response

In response to these challenges, the Glenn Adult Program launched its Medical Assistant Program to directly address the healthcare workforce shortage while providing equitable access to career education. Designed with the unique needs of adult learners in mind, the program integrates language development, academic support, and hands-on training. It empowers students to overcome barriers and enter the healthcare field with confidence and competence. The Medical Assistant Program has become a model for how targeted, community-based education can create meaningful pathways to employment and economic mobility in rural areas. Since 2009 the Glenn Adult Program has had 360 completers.

The Unique Features of the Program

The Glenn Medical Assistant Program offers big-town training with small-school support. As a program within a rural adult education school, it stands out for its personalized approach and commitment to student success. Unlike larger institutions where students may feel lost in the crowd, our program provides individualized attention and strong relationships with instructors and staff.

A cornerstone of the program is its comprehensive wraparound services, designed to support students who may otherwise fall through the cracks. These include academic tutoring, language support for English Language Learners, career counseling, transportation assistance, and flexible scheduling options to accommodate working adults and parents.

Students benefit from hands-on clinical training, industry-aligned curriculum, and externship opportunities with local healthcare providers—all while being part of a supportive learning community. This holistic and inclusive model ensures that students not only complete their training but are prepared and confident to enter the workforce.

The Outcome

Since its inception in 2009, the Glenn Medical Assistant Program has demonstrated steady growth and adaptability in response to both local healthcare workforce needs and student circumstances. Starting with just 9 students in its pilot year, the program has expanded to consistently serve over 20 students annually, reaching a high of 28 students in multiple years, including the current 2024–2025 program year.

The program's success is built on its flexibility, small class sizes, and personalized support. While staff changes occurred due to life events (e.g., career changes, maternity leave), program leadership ensured continuity by transitioning instructors smoothly and prioritizing student completion. For example, in 2014–2015, a new instructor was hired when the original founder left to pursue a Physician Assistant degree. Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021), the program was quickly adapted with a delayed start to accommodate public health guidelines and student uncertainty—still resulting in 17 students served during a year when many similar programs shut down entirely.

The cost of the program has evolved to reflect the expanded scope of training, certifications, and materials. Originally offered for free, the program now charges $6,000 for comprehensive training, which includes wraparound support, externship placement, and access to industry-relevant curriculum. Despite this increase, enrollment has remained strong, indicating the program's continued value and relevance in the community.

From 2009 to 2025, over 350 students have been enrolled, with the majority completing the program and entering the healthcare workforce—many as the first in their families to enter a professional field. The program's ability to retain students (including those who required a second year to complete, such as in 2009–2010), adapt to instructional changes, and meet local healthcare employer demands exemplifies its status as a model program in rural adult education.