On August 10, 2023, the GACTC celebrated the accomplishments of nine postsecondary students that successfully completed the Expanded Function Dental Assistant or Medical Assistant diploma programs. Collectively, our nine graduates completed more than 11,112 training hours in these programs; our Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) students participated in 480 hours of clinical experiences with local dental offices, and our Medical Assistant students end their coursework with a 240-hour clinical externship with a local medical facility.

Students had the opportunity to gain industry-valued certifications as part of these career-training programs including:

  • From the EFDA program:
    • CPR & First Aid
    • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training
    • Radiation Health and Safety certification
    • State of Pennsylvania Expanded Function Dental Assisting Licensure
    • Infection Control Exam Component of the Dental Assisting National Board
    • Certified Dental Assistant
  • From the Medical Assistant program:
    • CPR & First Aid
    • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training
    • Certified Medical Assistant through American Association of Medical Assistants
    • Certifications through the National Healthcareer Association:
      • Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
      • Certified Medical Administrative Assistant
      • Certified Phlebotomy Technician
      • Certified EKG Technician
      • Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

Graduates received additional recognition of their accomplishments from local and regional employers. Advanced Regional Center for Orthopedics and Podiatry, Central PA Physicians Group, and UPMC provided awards and gifts for the Medical Assistant graduates. The EFDA graduates received recognition from Centre Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Woo General Dentistry, Thaler Family Dentistry. The following students were recognized for outstanding performance in their training program:

  • Maria Weakland, Expanded Function Dental Assistant
  • Angela Ammerman, Medical Assistant

On August 17, a graduation ceremony will be held for our Practical Nursing graduates. Congratulations to all of our graduates!