Publications

Workforce Collaborative Trains Medical Assistants to Enhance Care at Community Health Centers

Author(s): 

Lisel Blash, Susan A. Chapman, Catherine Dower

Date: 
Jul 2011

The Central Massachusetts Community Health Center Partnership (CMCHCP) is a collaborative effort of employers and training centers intended to address the workforce needs of Worcester area community health centers. The Partnership’s first project focuses on training incumbent and new medical assistants to enhance their skills and allow them to serve in expanded roles such as medical interpreter, patient navigator, and community health worker while providing career ladder opportunities.

This 2014 summary updates the original 2011 case study with new information on staffing, clinical outcomes, reimbursement, and more. 

Innovative Workforce Models of Health Care is a series of case studies showcasing primary care practices that are expanding the roles of medical assistants and other frontline workers in innovative ways. The organizations selected are implementing practice models that improve organizational viability and quality of care for patients while providing career development opportunities to frontline employees. This research is supported by the The Hitachi Foundation.