WCCD Medical Assisting Students Outperform National Averages on Certification Exams

WCCD Medical Assisting students use microscopes to identify key components that help the body function and stay strong, such as red blood cells, the five types of white blood cells, and platelets.

Wallace Community College-Dothan (WCCD) Medical Assisting students are exceeding national standards with outstanding results on their National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification exams, demonstrating the College’s commitment to preparing students for career success in the healthcare field.

On their first attempt, WCCD Medical Assisting students achieved a 95% overall pass rate from 2024 – 2025—16% higher than the national average. This success highlights the strength of Wallace’s hands-on instruction, faculty expertise, and dedication to helping students enter the healthcare workforce fully prepared. Ultimately, students in the Medical Assisting program achieved a 100% pass rate after second attempts.

“Our Medical Assisting students at Wallace work incredibly hard, and it shows,” said Cherie Willis, WCCD Program Director for Medical Assisting. “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.”

Students enrolled in WCCD’s Medical Assisting program have the opportunity to earn four nationally recognized NHA certifications while completing their Associate in Applied Science degree: CCMA, CPT, CET, and CMAA. These credentials help graduates stand out in the job market and enter a range of in-demand roles in healthcare facilities across the region.

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is the largest allied health certification agency in the United States, having awarded more than one million certifications nationwide. NHA partners with the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) to uphold the highest standards in allied health education.

According to the NHA’s 2025 Industry Outlook, healthcare careers in medical assisting, phlebotomy, and EKG technology are among the fastest-growing fields nationwide, driven by increased demand for skilled professionals in hospitals, clinics, and physician offices.

Wallace Community College’s strong performance underscores its continued focus on student achievement and workforce readiness, ensuring graduates are equipped to make a difference in their communities and the healthcare industry.

For more information about the Medical Assisting program at Wallace Community College, visit wallace.edu.