The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) announced a partnership with The College of Health Care Professions (CHCP) to provide a new “learn and earn” track to radiology careers for currently employed certified medical assistants. The new employer-centric six-month program, which will be offered at no cost to learners, leads to a Limited Medical X-Ray Technologist Certificate along with broader roles at UTMB.

"Fighting a pandemic requires an unprecedented commitment to training and supporting the next generation of healthcare workers," said Angie Bush, Administrative Director of Radiology at UTMB. "Investing in our talent is crucial to meeting the constantly evolving healthcare needs of our state. This new partnership with CHCP will not only improve the quality of patient care, but also create new pathways for employees to pursue fulfilling and high-earning healthcare careers."

Amid the pandemic, demand for radiologic technologists has continued to rise: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that demand is projected to grow 7 percent in the coming decade, faster than other jobs in America. 

This 26-week program leverages prior learning through student’s workplace knowledge as medical assistants to shorten the typical length of training by more than half. Employees take classes virtually to accommodate their work schedules, allowing them to continue to earn their current wages while taking the employer paid program. The program has a unique and innovative clinical training component that takes place at the employee’s location and counts toward paid working hours, furthering the “learn and earn” mission of the partnership which is a part of the Employer Sponsored Online Program Partnership (ESOPP).

"Working learners with complicated lives, require solutions that can accommodate their need for flexibility," said Tonya Brightmon, Vice President of Program and Partnership Development at CHCP. "This partnership is a game-changer for medical assistants looking to move up the career ladder while continuing to serve on the frontlines of the healthcare workforce."

The full release can be found here.