May 12, 2025

By Katie Morris

On May 3, 2025, the first Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program cohort graduated from their apprenticeship program at Goodwin College of Professional Studies. The ceremony marked the cohort’s transition from apprenticeship to fully fledged careers in health care, celebrating their hard work and dedication in completing the program.

Over the past year, the CCMA apprentices have honed their skills and gained confidence in their abilities, preparing to make a meaningful impact in the health care industry. CCMA Apprenticeship Instructor Bonnie Carrasquillo, CCMA, PPMC, CPC, CPB, noted that she was most proud of the cohort’s “confidence in their skills and themselves. Seeing their growth over the past year has been an honor to witness. I am extremely proud of them!”

CCMA is an interdisciplinary collaboration between Drexel University’s Office of University and Community Partnerships, the Goodwin College of Professional Studies, the College of Medicine, and the College of Nursing and Health Professions, and external industry partners to employ and educate apprentices. The program creates an opportunity for those who are underrepresented to gain access to industry certifications, on-the-job training and in-person clinical training.

One of the key aspects that sets this apprenticeship apart from traditional education centers is the integration of real-life work experience into academic learning. As Carrasquillo explained, “The CCMA is a vital part of the medical community and over the years the role has evolved to include more skills that the CCMA can perform. Traditional educational centers have been closing over the past years leading to a shortage of CCMAs.” Having gone through a traditional CCMA program herself, Carrasquillo believes that this apprenticeship program is far more beneficial. “Having the real-life day-to-day work experience along with the education piece simultaneously really increases the knowledge and skill of the CCMA apprentice.”

Throughout the program, apprentices had the opportunity to learn and practice their skills in state-of-the-art facilities. Partnerships and collaborations with Drexel’s schools and colleges played a crucial role in the success of the program. “Being able to utilize the space at the Health Sciences Building has been extremely helpful to our program. Educating the apprentices in the College of Medicine’s standard patient learning suite has allowed teaching in a space that mimics a medical office, and the simulation suite allows for an open space to teach venipuncture, immunizations and other clinical skills,” noted Carrasquillo.

The success of this first cohort is a testament to the effectiveness of the apprenticeship model and the dedication of CCMA’s faculty and students. As the graduates received their certificates, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation for the future. The cohort’s journey through the CCMA program has not only prepared them for their roles but has also instilled in them a sense of purpose and commitment to the health care profession. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative practices, the CCMA program prepares students to meet the evolving demands of the health care industry for years to come.