Meritas Health (MH) offers a unique, 14-week medical assistant training program in partnership with Park University, designed specifically for those wanting paid, hands-on training in Kansas City. Participants earn wages during training, and MH covers all educational costs. In exchange, graduates must commit to working at an MH clinic for at least 18 months following completion. While paid training is attractive, details on wages after graduation, eligibility criteria, and program frequency are unclear, so careful consideration is advised.
Program Overview
Meritas Health, affiliated with North Kansas City Hospital (NKCH), has developed an innovative partnership with Park University to provide a specialized medical assistant training course. This training is focused on rapidly preparing individuals to enter healthcare positions as medical assistants within Meritas Health’s extensive network of 72 Kansas City-area clinics.
The program runs for 14 weeks and offers an attractive advantage of paid training. This means you earn income while learning essential medical assisting skills, eliminating the financial strain common in many other medical assisting programs. Moreover, Meritas Health fully covers the educational expenses associated with the program, making it virtually cost-free for trainees.However, there’s an important condition: upon successful completion, participants must work as medical assistants within an MH practice for a minimum duration of 18 months. Before applying, carefully consider your willingness and ability to commit to this term of employment.
[esyoh_listings]
Training Structure and Schedule
The program consists of three key learning components:
- Virtual Coursework: Theory-based instruction delivered online, offering flexibility and self-paced study to a certain extent.
- Weekly Skills Labs at Park University: Practical sessions once weekly at Park University, designed to reinforce clinical techniques and procedures.
- Clinic Rotations at Meritas Health Facilities: Students complete two weekly rotations at actual MH clinics, gaining direct, hands-on experience in a live clinical environment.
Together, these structured components provide a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing trainees effectively for immediate work upon program completion.
Job Responsibilities of Graduates
Medical assistants graduating from this program typically perform clinical tasks essential to healthcare delivery, including:
- Collecting blood samples and performing injections
- Administering immunizations and dispensing medications under supervision
- Assisting physicians and healthcare providers with medical procedures
- Managing patient interactions, histories, and routine clinical tasks
The specific roles and daily tasks may vary slightly based on placement location and specialty area within the MH network.
Cost and Financial Considerations
One of the biggest selling points for Meritas Health’s medical assistant training is that participants incur no educational costs and are paid while training. This eliminates significant financial barriers commonly associated with medical training programs.
Nevertheless, it’s important to consider potential hidden costs or risks. For example, the exact compensation rate during training or after graduation is not disclosed. Likewise, details regarding employment benefits, such as insurance coverage or vacation time post-program, are not clearly provided. Interested candidates should inquire directly about these factors before enrolling.
Admission Requirements
Admission criteria and eligibility details for this program have not been clearly stated. Interested candidates should actively check the program’s webpage or contact Meritas Health directly to get precise and updated information about admission guidelines, prerequisites, number of available seats, and upcoming enrollment periods.
Commitment After Graduation
It’s critical for potential students to understand the post-program obligation thoroughly. Completing the Meritas Health medical assistant program obligates graduates to an 18-month employment commitment within the MH system. Those uncertain about long-term commitment to one employer, or who prefer greater flexibility in employment options, should reflect carefully before enrolling.
Frequency and Availability
The frequency with which Meritas Health offers this program remains unclear. The absence of clear details means prospective applicants need to remain vigilant, regularly checking the official website or contacting the provider directly to avoid missing application windows.
Additional Meritas Health & NKCH Background
Meritas Health is a major network associated with North Kansas City Hospital, recognized widely in the Kansas City region for delivering quality healthcare. With over 72 locations across the Kansas City area and more than 280 healthcare providers specializing in diverse medical fields, MH represents a significant employment opportunity in local healthcare.
North Kansas City Hospital itself is a respected institution, holding various prestigious accreditations and recognitions, including:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet® designation
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services four-star rating
- Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval in multiple specialized care areas
These accolades underline Meritas Health and NKCH’s strong commitment to quality patient care and employee development. Joining MH through this training program positions students within a reputable healthcare network with significant career advancement opportunities.
Potential Downsides and Unknowns
While the Meritas Health Medical Assistant program offers financial advantages through paid training and cost-free education, several uncertainties should be considered:
- Unclear Compensation Post-Program: It’s unknown exactly how much you’ll earn after training completion, potentially affecting financial planning.
- Limited Employment Flexibility: The mandatory 18-month employment period could limit career mobility in the short term.
- Missing Eligibility and Admission Details: Without clear prerequisites or availability information, candidates may find it challenging to plan effectively.
- Program Frequency: No clear indication of how regularly the program is offered, making timing and scheduling more challenging.
Prospective students should directly address these issues by contacting Meritas Health before committing.
Who Should Consider This School?
Meritas Health’s medical assistant training program is a strong match for students whose primary goal is rapid entry into the healthcare workforce without incurring educational debt. The paid training component makes it uniquely appealing, especially for individuals who can’t afford prolonged unpaid training periods.
However, this opportunity is best suited for candidates comfortable committing at least 18 months post-graduation to Meritas Health. Applicants should also be flexible with unknown factors like post-program wages and employment benefits. Those looking for transparent financial details upfront or broader employment flexibility might find other programs more suitable.
Overall, this program is most beneficial for candidates seeking immediate employment within a reputable healthcare system and who value a cost-free, paid training experience enough to accept potential uncertainties regarding pay and future employment terms.
| Category | Details |
| Cost: | No cost to participants; fully covered by Meritas Health |
| Duration: | 14 weeks |
| Class Schedules: | Virtual coursework, 1 in-person lab/week, 2 clinic rotations/week |
| Online Classes?: | Partially; coursework is delivered virtually |
| Requirements: | Not publicly listed; contact Meritas Health for details |
| Address: | 2800 Clay Edwards Dr, North Kansas City, MO 64116 |
| Phone: | (816) 691-2000 |
| Website: | https://www.nkch.org/for-students/medical-assistant-academy |
Begin Your Journey
Browse top medical assistant programs in Kansas City.