Clinical Medical Assistant Externships: A Win-Win for Area Medical Centers and Hope Builders’ Trainees

Externships are a pivotal component of training for young adults enrolled in Hope Builders’ Clinical Medical Assisting (CMA) training program. These 160-hour practicums provide trainees with the hands-on learning needed to successfully launch their careers and gives externship sites the opportunity to screen the skills and culture fit of potential employees.  

Madison, a Hope Builders’ trainee, shares, “My externship provided me with so many resources and experiences to improve my knowledge and skills while working with pediatric patients and adults. The variety of opportunities I was given helped me grow and gave me a jump start for my career.”

As Hope Builders continues to grow to better meet the workforce needs of Orange County, we expect to connect over 140 young adults to CMA externships in the next 12 months. We encourage local healthcare practices to explore the benefits of partnering with Hope Builders as externship sites.

Externship Basics:

1. Hours and Scheduling: Externs are required to complete 160 hours to meet certification requirements. They are available to work Monday through Friday, from 7 AM to 7 PM, typically in 40-hour workweeks.
2. Work Environment: Externships can involve both front-office and back-office duties, with a preference for sites that focus on back-office skills.

Training the Future Workforce:

• Hard-Skill Development: By providing hands-on experience, externship sites help trainees refine their abilities in administering injections, taking vital signs and working in Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems.
• Professional Development: Externs have the chance to interact with medical staff and patients, building confidence and practicing the soft skills essential for maintaining long-term employment.

Benefits of Hosting Externs:

• Background Checks and Drug Tests: These are completed four weeks before the externship starts, ensuring a safe and professional environment.
• Certifications and Clearances: Externs are prepared with Basic Life Saving (BLS) certification, HIPAA certification, personal protective equipment (PPE), and current vaccinations.
• Support and Feedback: Externship sites have a dedicated point of contact at Hope Builders who provides ongoing feedback and coaching to help the externs effectively apply their classroom knowledge to real-world situations.

For more information on how to host Hope Builders externs at your medical practice, please contact Cindy Mendizabal, Employment Readiness Manager, at (714) 543-5105 ext. 195 or cmendizabal@tsjhopebuilders.org.