Perry Technical Institute is expanding its Medical Technology Department by adding the Medical Assistant Program.

The new program, scheduled to begin in January 2013, will prepare students for careers as medical assistants in doctor’s offices, clinics and other health-care facilities.

According to statistics from the United States Department of Labor (DOL), employment of medical assistants is expected to grow by 31% through the year 2020. DOL attributes the increasing demand to the growth of the aging baby boom population spurring the demand for preventive medical services. As practices expand, they will hire more medical assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties, allowing physicians to see more patients.

Perry’s 18-month program teaches both the office skills and the clinical and patient care skills needed to work as a medical assistant in a variety of settings. The curriculum covers computer applications, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, clinical procedures and electronic health records.

"Recent legislation requiring medical offices and facilities to staff certified medical assistants, combined with the encouragement that we have received from our medical advisory committee, make this program a 'win-win' for PTI graduates and our community,” said Nathan Hull, Perry’s dean of education.

The new program has been approved by the Washington State Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board and accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Established in 1939, Perry Technical Institute is a private, nonprofit educational institution which offers 11 specialized technical training programs. The school is located across the street from the Yakima Air Terminal.

Enrollment applications are now being accepted. For more information, call the school’s Enrollment Office, (509) 453-0374 or toll-free (888) 528-8586.

More From News Talk KIT