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Fee free educational opportunity to study Medical Practice Assisting
Posted May 11, 2023
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Hunter New England Central Coast PHN in collaboration with UNE Partnerships has a long history in awarding scholarships to practice staff who wish to study the Medical Practice Assisting course and are particularly proud in celebrating Graduates each year and supporting ongoing professional development with MPA Conferences.
Medical Practice Assistants are formally trained to perform a range of administration and front desk tasks, as well as assisting in a wide range of instructed treatment room activities. They are a highly valued, multiskilled team member of a medical practice and play a role in relieving stress and workload across a practice.
For a limited time, the Medical Practice Assisting course will be included in the fee free educational study opportunities to upskill and support practice staff. Take advantage now of the chance to study a qualification online independently, whilst being supported by fellow students in the region, UNEP and the PHN.
These recognised qualifications are available through NSW Government Smart & Skilled funding. For those eligible, the NSW Government initiative will subsidise the cost of training, enhance their skill base and facilitate the achievement of a formal qualification.
UNE Partnerships offers more than 35 years of experience in providing world class education, making them ideally suited to support their student through online learning; personalised support and opportunities to interact with peers across NSW.
Register interest and request more information by clicking the individual course links below, or by clicking on the following link connect.unep.edu.au/phn by Monday 5th June 2023.
- Monday 5th June – Register interest.
- Wednesday 28th June– Complete enrolment and funding application.
- July – Get started with your MPA training schedule
Register directly or request a brochure and more information with links below:
- HLT47715 Certificate IV in Medical Practice Assisting brochure here
- BSB30120 Certificate III Business Administration Medical brochure here
- HLT33021 Allied Health Assisting (Brochure coming soon) this is a new course and qualification, UNEP are working hard to keep up to date with demand.
Who Is Eligible?
The NSW Smart and Skilled funding has eligibility criteria which includes:
- Over 15 years old and no longer at school.
- Living or working in NSW.
- An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen.
Please direct queries to Margaret (02) 6773 0020 or health@unep.edu.au
Congratulations to all MPA Graduates!
The PHN and UNE Partnerships proudly celebrated some of our regions MPA Graduates at the PHN’s Agents of Change Conference in March 2023. Yolanda Armstrong was one of those graduating and shares her story on why she chose to study the MPA and how it’s benefited her practice:
Why did you decide to become an MPA?
I work in a specialist medical practice where the doctor undertakes minor procedures and follow-up wound care in our treatment room. Our practice nurse was looking to have the flexibility to reduce hours if needed and I was looking at expanding my skills and was keen to explore clinical options. I came across the MPA course after recommendation from the Australian Association of Practice Management (AAPM). I looked into the course and it looked perfect in allowing me to help at the front and backend of the business allowing for flexibility within the practice.
Were UNEP and the HNECC PHN and your Practice supportive of your study needs?
UNEP, HNECC PHN and my practice were extraordinarily supportive in my study needs. I was lucky enough to receive a scholarship from HNECC PHN to undertake the MPA course and I was very grateful for this opportunity.
At work, I was given every chance to practice my new skills and undertake any study needed throughout the course. UNEP were with me every step of the way. Overall, I felt incredibly supported from all involved.
How has your Practice benefitted from having an MPA on staff?
My role in the practice has increased where I am out the front, undertaking practice managerial obligations and now also able to enter the treatment room and help the doctor and practice nurse in giving the best possible care for the patient.
The knowledge I have gained from being able to see what transpires in patient care has been integral in my role as practice manager. My scope of practice is minimal compared to the practice nurse and the doctor, however while I am not a nurse, my skills and the skills of MPA’s in a practice allows the doctors and nurses the ability to delegate appropriate tasks, affording them the time needed to continue doing the important work required of them.
The role of the MPA allows a practice to make more room for someone else to take on some of the responsibilities, to help take the pressure off, and helps a practice run even more efficiently, ultimately benefiting the patient.
The MPA course made me realise I wanted to do something more clinical in patient care and inspired me to now undertake a Bachelor of Podiatry at university to further advance my skills and expertise. I am so grateful for the opportunity and the support of UNEP and HNECC PHN have provided me in undertaking a course that will help so many people.
