Virginia Western Community College celebrates an award-winning healthcare program in the Roanoke Valley.
The Virginia Workforce Association has named Carilion Clinic’s Grow-Our-Own Medical Assistant-Certified (MA-C) Program as recipient of the Talent Champion Award. Virginia Western and the Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Board collaborate with Carilion Clinic to operate the program.
“The Virginia Workforce Association Talent Champion Award recognizes the power of partnership between Carilion Clinic and Virginia Western Community College,” said Lauren Cumella, Healthcare Careers faculty member at Virginia Western. “I am proud to help students gain the skills and confidence needed to launch successful healthcare careers while strengthening the future healthcare workforce in our region. This award reflects the dedication and hard work of our students, faculty, and healthcare partners whose commitment to excellence makes a lasting impact on our community.”
The Grow-Our-Own MA-C Program offers cohorts three times each year — in March, July, and October. Applications are posted by Carilion Clinic approximately two months prior to the start of each cohort.
Here is a news release from Carilion Clinic with more information about the partnership and award:
ROANOKE, Va. — Carilion Clinic’s Grow-Our-Own Medical Assistant-Certified (MA-C) Program has earned the Virginia Workforce Association’s Talent Champion Award.
The award recognizes employers that go beyond filling positions by making meaningful investments in workforce development, career advancement, and innovative partnerships that create opportunities for individuals while strengthening communities.
“This achievement reflects the strong collaboration between our educational and workforce development partners, clinic leaders, preceptors and program participants,” said Christine Ugron, ambulatory clinical educator at Carilion. “Together, we’ve created a pathway that helps people enter healthcare careers while helping meet the workforce needs of our region. This recognition demonstrates what is possible when organizations work together to remove barriers to opportunity, invest in workforce development and create meaningful career pathways.”
Carilion developed the Grow-Our-Own MA-C Program in collaboration with the Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Board and Virginia Western Community College. The program offers a unique “learn and earn” pathway that combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience, preparing participants for successful careers in healthcare.
This program is part of Carilion’s broader workforce development focus to invest in talent from within the communities it serves. Through targeted training, educational partnerships, and hands-on experience, the program helps individuals gain the skills needed to launch healthcare careers while supporting the long-term growth of the region’s healthcare workforce. By connecting education, training, and employment, the program helps build a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals prepared to serve patients across the region.
The Virginia Workforce Association recognized Carilion’s program for its innovative partnerships and exceptional outcomes, including a 100% certification pass rate, strong hiring and retention results, and a commitment to creating accessible pathways into healthcare careers.
To learn more about career opportunities and workforce development programs at Carilion Clinic, visit CarilionClinic.org/careers.
