DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — Medical Assisting students at Wallace Community College-Dothan (WCCD) are surpassing national performance standards, posting exceptional results on the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification exams.
On their first attempt, WCCD students achieved a 95% overall pass rate — 16 percentage points higher than the national average. After retesting, the class reached a 100% certification rate. College officials credit the success to hands-on learning, experienced instructors, and strong academic preparation.
“Our Medical Assisting students at Wallace work incredibly hard, and it shows,” said Cherie Willis, program director for Medical Assisting at WCCD. “With the support of passionate, experienced instructors, they gain the skills and confidence to truly stand out in the field. We’re proud to see them not just succeed but rise above the competition and become the kind of medical professional every patient deserves.”
The WCCD Medical Assisting program allows students to earn four nationally recognized NHA certifications — Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), Certified EKG Technician (CET), and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) — while completing an Associate in Applied Science degree. These credentials prepare graduates for in-demand roles across hospitals, clinics, and physician offices throughout the region.
The National Healthcareer Association, the largest allied health certification agency in the United States, has issued more than one million certifications nationwide. It works alongside the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) to maintain national standards in allied health education.
According to the NHA’s 2025 Industry Outlook, healthcare roles such as medical assisting, phlebotomy, and EKG technology remain among the fastest-growing in the country, fueled by rising demand for skilled healthcare professionals.
Wallace Community College’s strong outcomes underscore its continued focus on workforce readiness and student success, ensuring graduates are prepared to make a lasting impact in their communities.
For more information about the Medical Assisting program, visit wallace.edu.
Photo courtesy of Wallace Community College Dothan
