11/6/2026
WASHINGTON, Pa. – As demand for health care services continues to grow, UPMC Washington is helping local residents build rewarding careers while strengthening access to care throughout the region through the UPMC Washington Medical Assistant in Training (MAIT) program. The earn-while-you-learn initiative provides paid training, tuition-free education and a direct pathway into one of health care's most in-demand professions.
Since launching in 2020, the MAIT program has helped individuals enter the health care workforce by removing common barriers to training and education. Participants are hired as UPMC employees from day one, receive an hourly wage and complete online coursework and hands-on clinical training at no cost to them.
“The Medical Assistant in Training program is a great example of what can happen when we invest in the people who call this region home,” said Brook Ward, president of UPMC Washington and UPMC Greene. “We’re creating careers, strengthening our communities and preparing the next generation of caregivers to care for our neighbors right here at home.”
Medical assistants play an important role in outpatient care, supporting patients and clinical teams in primary and specialty care settings. Responsibilities include taking vital signs, performing point-of-care testing, administering immunizations and injections, conducting patient screenings, documenting in the electronic medical record and assisting with prior authorizations. Medical assistants work in both full- and part-time roles across outpatient medical offices.
The program's 12th class drew strong interest from across the region, with 40 applicants competing for seven available positions. The seven participants selected for the five-month program began training Sept. 21.
The program combines online coursework through Penn Foster with 300 hours of clinical training in UPMC Washington Physicians Group and UPMC Washington Family Medicine practices. Participants rotate through primary and specialty care settings, working alongside medical assistant preceptors who provide hands-on instruction and mentorship.
To complete the program, participants must successfully finish the online curriculum, required exam and 300 hours of clinical training. Graduates receive a medical assistant program completion certificate and are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant certification exam.
For current participant Shiane Kelley, the program offers an opportunity to turn her passion for caring for others into a career.
"I want to become a medical assistant because it is more than just a career for me. It is an opportunity to pursue something I am truly passionate about," Kelley said. "I want to be someone patients can rely on during some of the most vulnerable times in their lives and create an environment where patients feel comfortable, respected and cared for."
For Alexandra Bryant, the program provides a financially accessible way to pursue an interest in health care that began while working in a hospital during high school.
"The one concern I had when wanting to pursue a career in health care was the cost," Bryant said. "This program gives me access to additional education and experience without incurring additional debt. I want to help those around me and give back to my community in the ways I feel are most important."
Participant Alayah Marino also sees the program as a pathway to a meaningful career.
"My goal is to become a medical assistant who treats every patient with kindness, respect and professionalism," Marino said. "This training program is an important step toward achieving my dream of working in health care and making a meaningful impact in my community."
The impact of the program continues after graduation. Today, 68% of MAIT graduates remain employed within UPMC Washington Physicians Group and UPMC Washington Family Medicine.
Former MAIT participant Heather Drecnik began a new career through the program after spending 24 years as a stay-at-home mother. With no previous medical training, she completed the program and was hired by UPMC Washington Family Medicine, where she has worked as a clinical medical assistant for the past two years.
"Being accepted into UPMC Washington's MAIT program was absolutely life-changing," Drecnik said. "Throughout the journey, I received constant support and encouragement from management and the staff in each office I visited. The program allowed me to secure a career in health care that I absolutely love and work in a job where I feel like I am making a difference in the lives of others."
To learn more about career opportunities at UPMC Washington, visit UPMC Careers.
Photo details: Members of the current Medical Assistant in Training class. Standing, from left: Carmen Lucas, Emily Wilson, Alayah Marino and Philip Sebetich. Seated, from left: Alexandra Bryant, Jennifer Thomas and Shiane Kelley.
Credit: UPMC
