Marshall School of Medical Assisting in Partnership with El Dorado County Office of Education

The Program of Practice

Despite a growing demand for healthcare professionals in El Dorado County and the surrounding region, there was, until recently, a significant gap in local educational opportunities for adults seeking to enter hands-on, skill-based medical careers. Prior to 2024, El Dorado County offered no formal training programs for adults pursuing roles such as Medical Assisting, even as the healthcare industry continued to face staffing shortages and rising workforce needs.

Compounding this issue is the traditional emphasis on four-year college pathways, which often overshadows skilled trades and technical careers in public perception and educational planning. As a result, many individuals who may have thrived in fast-paced, practical healthcare roles were left without clear, accessible pathways into the field. This disconnect contributed to both a local talent shortage in healthcare and a missed opportunity to empower community members with viable, rewarding career options.

The Response

In response, the El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE) partnered with Marshall Medical Center to launch a unique Career Technical Education (CTE) Medical Assistant Program in 2024. This program was intentionally designed to address both workforce needs and the educational gap by providing adults with high-quality, hands-on training that leads directly to employment and certification in the healthcare sector.

By creating this pathway, EDCOE and Marshall Medical are not only filling a critical community need but also redefining what career readiness looks like—offering practical, high-demand options that support both individual success and regional economic development.

The Unique Features of the Program

Our Medical Assistant Program stands out for its commitment to academic excellence, hands-on training, and comprehensive student support, which sets our graduates up for success in the healthcare field. Adult learners have many challenges and barriers to overcome, so EDCOE works with them individually to ensure progress toward goals. Staff consistently communicate the commitment to work with students through flexibility and support in overcoming barriers so that students can meet their goals.

Students meet one-on-one with the Transition Specialist to discuss what services they may need to reduce any barriers to their education and/or transition to postsecondary education or employment. EDCOE's transition specialist (TS) provides information and resources to overcome barriers in-person or via Zoom or phone. Examples of support services to reduce barriers include childcare, reliable transportation, healthcare, housing, employment needs, scholarships for CTE, career planning, mental health resources, learning disability modifications, food, bus passes, clothing, immigration issues, youth services, or transcript evaluations for immigrants. Through the school and the job center, the program has access to many federal, state, and local resources which address these barriers.

We are proud to be accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), ensuring our program meets rigorous academic standards and provides quality education recognized throughout California and beyond.

With intentionally small class sizes, we prioritize one-on-one instruction and individualized learning. This allows students to build strong relationships with instructors and receive the focused support they need to thrive. Students receive a balanced education covering both clinical and administrative Medical Assisting. The curriculum is developed in alignment with standards set by the California Certifying Board of Medical Assistants, the California Medical Board, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and The Joint Commission. To set students up for success, our program includes a prerequisite Medical Terminology course, which eliminates the need for students to seek this requirement elsewhere. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is provided as part of the course. Students gain life-saving skills onsite, making them more competitive and prepared for healthcare roles. EDCOE also offers two class cohorts each year, providing flexible scheduling options while maintaining high educational standards and consistency.

Our program includes a robust externship component, giving students real-world experience in clinical environments. This hands-on training bridges the gap between classroom learning and professional practice.

Graduates are eligible to sit for the California State Exam or the NCCT (National Center for Competency Testing) National Exam, offering flexibility and broad recognition of their qualifications.

The Outcome

Since its launch in January 2024, our Medical Assisting Program has demonstrated exceptional results in preparing students for certification and employment in the healthcare field. With a strong foundation in clinical and administrative education, and a commitment to hands-on training and student success, our program continues to grow and produce qualified, job-ready graduates.

Cohort 1 – January 2024

Enrolled: 10 students

Graduated: 8 students

Certification: 7 graduates sat for and passed the California Certifying Board Exam

Employment: 5 graduates are currently employed as Medical Assistants

Cohort 2 – August 2024

Enrolled: 13 students

Graduated: 13 students

Certification: 10 graduates passed either the California Certifying Board Exam or the NCCT Exam

Employment: 11 graduates are currently employed as Medical Assistants

Cohort 3 – January 2025

Enrolled: 13 students

Status: Students are currently completing the program and are scheduled to graduate and take their certification exams in July 2025

Cohort 4 – August 2025

Enrolled: 12 students

Status: This cohort will begin their training in August 2025

These early results reflect the strength of our curriculum, the dedication of our instructors, and the high level of preparedness our students bring into their careers. As we continue to grow, we remain focused on equipping every student with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to thrive in the medical assisting profession.