[CLINTON, N.C.] – As part of Medical Assistant Awareness Week, Sampson Community College (SCC) celebrates its Medical Assisting (MA) Program, which has been preparing students for crucial roles in healthcare since 2016. The program’s success is driven by the passion and dedication of its instructors, including Department Chair Misti Wood, whose journey into medical assisting and education embodies the program’s core values.
Misti Wood, who initially pursued a career in healthcare, never imagined becoming an educator. After starting her career as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), working in both primary care and OB/GYN, she discovered a passion for teaching.
“One day, I saw a job posting for a Medical Assisting Instructor position, and it immediately sparked my interest. I prayed about it, and I’m so thankful the Lord guided me to SCC. Being an educator is the most rewarding job I’ve ever had,” shared Wood.
SCC’s Medical Assisting Program provides comprehensive training in both clinical and administrative skills, ensuring students are well-prepared for the healthcare field. Students learn to use electronic medical records (EMR), handle billing and coding, schedule appointments, take vital signs, perform EKGs, draw blood, and assist physicians with exams and procedures. In addition to classroom instruction, students participate in hands-on learning through a 240-hour Clinical Practicum, where they apply their training with real-life patients.
“Our curriculum stays current with advancements in medical technology by following industry standards set by the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB),” explained Wood. “We also work closely with our advisory board, which includes local clinical facilities and employers, to ensure we’re teaching the latest practices and using up-to-date technology.”
For Wood, one of the most rewarding aspects of being an instructor is seeing students succeed and watching them grow into competent healthcare providers. She also emphasizes the importance of time management and encourages students to complete general education courses before entering the MA program to help lighten their workload.
“The excitement I feel when students accomplish a goal or master a skill is indescribable. Knowing that Mrs. Avery and I played a part in shaping them into professional medical assistants fills me with pride,” said Wood.
The Medical Assisting Program at SCC has seen impressive job placement rates, with many students securing positions from their Clinical Practicum sites. The demand for qualified medical assistants remains high, and employers consistently seek out SCC graduates.
As healthcare continues to evolve, Wood notes the significant impact of technological advancements, such as the shift from paper charts to EMR and the rise of telehealth. She also stresses the importance of continuing education for CMAs, who must earn 60 continuing education units (CEUs) every five years to maintain certification.
Wood advises those considering a career in medical assisting to enter the field with a genuine passion for patient care.
“This career isn’t just about earning a paycheck; it’s about being compassionate and helping those in need,” she said. “What sets excellent medical assistants apart is not just their clinical skills but their empathy, professionalism, and commitment to providing the best possible care.”
Sampson Community College is proud to recognize the dedication of its medical assisting instructors and students during Medical Assistant Awareness Week. With a program that continues to evolve alongside the healthcare industry, SCC remains committed to providing high-quality education that prepares students for long-term success in the medical field.
For more information about the Medical Assisting Program at SCC, visit www.sampsoncc.edu/medical-assisting.
About Sampson Community College: Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education.
