Kent State University's College of Applied and Technical Studies Medical Assisting Undergraduate Certificate program has earned national accreditation, a significant achievement that recognizes the program's commitment to preparing students for careers in healthcare through nationally recognized educational standards. The accreditation applies to the program at both the Ashtabula and Geauga campuses.
Awarded through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the accreditation confirms that Kent State's medical assisting program meets rigorous standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, student outcomes and patient care preparation. According to Program Director Katie Sanguedolce, MSN, RN,CCMA, the distinction gives students confidence that they are receiving an education aligned with expectations across the healthcare industry.
"Any school can create a program," Sanguedolce said. "but accreditation ensures students are being taught according to national standards and are prepared to provide quality patient care."
The achievement capped a year-long process that required extensive preparation, documentation and review. Sanguedolce participated in accreditation training, collaborated with medical assisting educators from across the country and compiled evidence demonstrating that the program met more than a dozen accreditation standards. The review examined everything from course content and student competencies to faculty credentials, equipment and learning resources.
One of the most demanding parts of the process involved documenting how every course addresses required national competencies. Students must demonstrate dozens of hands-on clinical skills as well as mastery of a wide range of medical knowledge and professional communication standards. Sanguedolce worked through hundreds of records and supporting documents while continuing to oversee the program and teach students.
The effort paid off. During the site review process, evaluators identified the program director as one of the program's greatest strengths. They also highlighted the strong relationship between Sanguedolce and her faculty team.
"It was really exciting to hear," Sanguedolce said. "It feels good to have that validation in writing."
The accreditation is especially meaningful because of the growing demand for medical assistants throughout Northeast Ohio. Medical assistants are essential members of healthcare teams, supporting both the clinical and administrative functions of outpatient practices. Students in Kent State's program develop skills in phlebotomy, medication administration, patient communication, billing and coding, electronic health records, medical law, ethics and infection control.
Many students secure employment opportunities through the healthcare facilities where they complete their required practicum experiences. The program's clinical partnerships provide students with hands-on training while helping local healthcare providers address workforce shortages. Sanguedolce noted that physician offices and outpatient facilities throughout Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake counties continue to seek qualified medical assistants.
Since welcoming its first cohort in 2022, the program continues to grow. Enrollment is increasing and dedicated laboratory spaces on both campuses provide students with opportunities to practice clinical skills in realistic healthcare settings. The program is also expanding its experiential learning network, including efforts to establish additional partnerships with organizations such as Quest Diagnostics.
Looking ahead, Sanguedolce hopes to strengthen connections with area high schools, particularly in Ashtabula County, giving students a direct pathway into healthcare careers.
"This program gives a student the chance to get their foot in the door of healthcare," she said. "Some students continue into other healthcare professions, while others build successful careers as medical assistants. It opens the door to so many possibilities."
For Kent State's medical assisting program, accreditation serves as more than a seal of approval. It is recognition that students at both the Ashtabula and Geauga campuses are receiving an education that meets national standards while helping address critical healthcare workforce needs across the region.
To learn more about the medical assisting undergraduate certificate program at Kent State, visit www.kent.edu/cats/medical-assisting-undergraduate-certificate.
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