Greater Shreveport Chamber: Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Announces Medical Assistant Training Program

Press release from the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce:

August 21, 2021

Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, the Shreveport and Bossier American Job Centers and Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) announce plans for an Ochsner LSU Health Medical Assistant (MA) Training Program in North Louisiana. The MA Now Program is tuition-free and open to Shreveport and Bossier residents ages 18 and older* through funding provided by the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Originally launched in New Orleans in 2013, the training program features accelerated hybrid classroom, clinical and on-the-job training and addresses the need for Certified MAs to build additional career pathways. The program also includes certification training for students in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), EKG and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

All interested applicants are required to attend one of the two virtual information sessions open to the public on Tuesday, August 24, 2021.

WHEN: Tuesday, August 24, 2021 - 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. OR 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. o *Must attend one session to qualify* WHERE: Register via Zoom link:

Applications for the MA Now Program are due Friday, August 27, online or at the Bossier American Job Center, 400 Viking Drive, Bossier City, LA, or Shreveport American Job Center, 2121 Fairfield Ave, Suite 100, Shreveport, LA.

To be eligible to apply, the applicant must have a high school diploma or equivalency, successful completion of drug screen, criminal background check and ability to commit to the training program. After successfully completing the program and hiring requirements, 100 percent of graduates will have the opportunity to interview for positions as full-time MAs at one of Ochsner LSU Health locations or be employed as an EKG monitor, Patient Access Representative or Patient Care Technician.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistant is one of the nation’s fastest growing careers, contributing to job growth across the country. In addition, MA is a position of strong need within the Ochsner Clinic Foundation.

Since its inception, more than 100 individuals have completed the MA Training Program, with 94 percent currently employed at Ochsner today. All Ochsner MAs also receive additional MA training after they are hired to further develop their skills and increase their scope of practice. For any questions about the program, please email workforce@ochsner.org.

*All Shreveport and Bossier residents interested in applying for the MA Training Program must be 18 years or older AND meet Low Income Guidelines to qualify.

This press release was produced by the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author’s own.