In order to address a shortage of medical assistants on Maui, the University of Hawaii Maui College and Kauai Community College have launched a partnership to graduate medical assistants on Maui.
The collaborative program allows students to take classes from KCC’s accredited medical-assisting program without leaving Maui. Classes are transmitted via video conference from KCC, while the lab classes are held face-to-face at UHMC.
“I have 10 medical assistant students on Kauai and four on Maui this year. I am very excited to be able to teach the synchronous classes and provide the students on Maui with the opportunity to graduate as certified MAs next May,” said Victoria Mathis, medical assisting program coordinator at KCC.
Medical assisting is a growing field in healthcare and there is a shortage of medical assistants in Hawaii. Medical assistants work in medical offices and outpatient clinics and are the main medical support staff in these areas.
Healthcare employers on Maui approached UHMC asking for certified medical assistant graduates. This unique collaborative program provides access to a medical assisting program to outer island students by using existing resources within the UH Community College system.
“Having access to the KauaiCC MEDA program means better futures for us, so that we are better able to provide for our families,” says Kisha Lei Agcaoili, Kauai CC MEDA student on Maui. For more information: vwalker@hawaii.edu or 245-8358.
The University of Hawaii College of Education will hold an information session at KCC on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Learning Resource Center room 124B.
For those seeking teaching licenses or already holding licenses, stipends are available for those wanting to teach in high-need areas (e.g. English, science, math, special education). The College of Education is seeking caring and knowledgeable people to join the teaching profession. For more information, contact Rhonda Liu at 245-8330.
Kauai Community College’s International Program offers a number of opportunities for student exchange. Most recently, KCC formalized an articulation agreement with Otago Polytechnic of New Zealand, and one KCC student will be moving to Otago to complete a bachelor’s degree. The International Program also hosts a regular Global Cafe at which students from different countries present talks on their home countries. Information: Kyoko Ikeda, 245-8368, kyokoi@hawaii.edu
•••
Greg Shepherd is a professor of music and drama at KCC.
