Caregiver to Certified Medical Assistant

Jessica had always known she wanted to help people. As a part-time caregiver, she found fulfillment in her work, but she knew it wasn’t enough to help support her family long-term. She dreamed of building a full-time career in the medical field, where she could make a bigger impact on people’s lives and have financial stability to give her family a better future.

On February 2, 2024, Jessica took the first step towards making that dream a reality. She reached out to GST Michigan Works!, eager to find the support she needed to transition into a more stable and rewarding career. With her sights set on becoming a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Jessica knew this was her chance to gain the skills required to thrive in the healthcare industry.

In February of 2024, Jessica enrolled in a three-month CMA training course with support through WIOA. Every day, she balanced her studies with the responsibilities of her part-time caregiver job, all while keeping her family’s needs in mind. The training was rigorous, but Jessica was determined. She had always loved helping others, and this was her opportunity to make a more substantial impact on the healthcare field.

On May 14, 2024, Jessica’s hard work paid off. She completed her CMA program and passed her National Healthcare Association (NHA) test on the very same day. It was a moment of great accomplishment for Jessica, knowing that she had successfully earned the certificate that would open the door to a brighter, more secure future.

GST Michigan Works! didn’t just help Jessica with the training itself. In addition to tuition support, Jessica was equipped with all the necessary support, including scrubs, shoes, a stethoscope, and even mileage for travel to her training. This allowed her to focus entirely on her studies without worrying about the financial burden of additional costs.

Just a few weeks after receiving her certificate, Jessica’s dream began to take shape when she was offered a full-time position as a Certified Medical Assistant at Deckerville Healthcare Clinic. With her new position, she is now making $6.15 more per hour. This was the opportunity she had worked so hard for, and it was everything she had hoped for—a chance to help people while building a stable career in the medical field.