Grace Health Celebrates Employee Certifications
Grace Health proudly announces the recognition of its hardworking employees as they celebrate their accomplishments and certifications in a combined pinning ceremony. This significant event, held at the Corbin Civic Center in April, marked the continued success and expansion of the Grace University training programs, which have set a high standard in healthcare education and certification.
Michael Stanley, Grace Health’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed his pride in the employees’ achievements saying, “Years ago, the administration had a vision of training employees, starting with getting our qualified medical assistants certified through a nationally recognized organization. The name ‘Grace University’ was coined as the program title through which we hoped to offer multiple trainings. In the fall of 2017, our first group of Grace University CCMAs was celebrated with our first-ever pinning ceremony. In 2018, the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant program was added, and we held our first CMAA pinning ceremony. Each year since, these programs have been offered to our qualified staff, and we have seen 365 certifications earned through Grace University! One hundred ninety-four of those certifications have been CCMA, and 171 have been for our CMAA program.”
Stanley highlighted the impressive achievements of Grace Health’s employees, noting the exceptional pass rates compared to national averages. “The National Healthcareer Association, which developed these nationally accredited certifications, had a CMAA pass rate of 69.02% in 2023. Grace Health had a pass rate for our CMAAs of 100%—over 30% higher than the national average. Our CCMA track had similar results, with a Grace Health pass rate of 97% in 2023, beating the national average of 77.28% by 20 percentage points. Each of the classes represented in this ceremony had a 100% pass rate. Grace Health employees have not only exceeded the state and national standards but have put us on the map as a progressive and innovative healthcare agency for employee training! This year, Grace University is expanding to include certification opportunities in Dental Assisting and Pharmacy Technician that are getting underway soon!”
Grace Health remains committed to the professional development of its employees, recognizing that investing in their growth leads to better patient care and stronger community ties. They also recognize that these employees, while working full-time jobs, accepted the additional challenge of enrolling in courses with a strict attendance policy, mandatory assignment schedule, and numerous deadlines. During the ceremony, Stanley said, “We recognize that their commitment to excel meant that you, as their families and support systems, gave up time with your loved ones and supported them on this journey. To each of the certified employees, thank you for your commitment and determination to make patient care the best it can be. To the families, thank you for encouraging and supporting this group as they worked to better themselves academically and professionally to better serve our communities. I trust that you are as proud of them as those of us at Grace Health.”
About Grace Health
Grace Health is a leading healthcare provider dedicated to delivering compassionate and comprehensive services to communities in need. With a focus on innovation and community engagement, Grace Health strives to address the evolving healthcare needs of individuals and families.
Grace Health was established in 2008 in Knox County, Kentucky, as a primary healthcare provider and recognized as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), proudly serving Bell, Clay, Knox, Laurel, Leslie, and Whitley counties. For more information, visit gracehealthky.org.
CMAA graduates pictured:
Kayleigh Couch, Haley Craig, Melissa Darling, Tasha Dodd, Amanda Dooley, Jarica Estridge, Jeannette Gaskin, Jaclyn Goodin, Jessica Gray, Kayla Gray, Mahleea Hall, Kendra Harris, Karen Johnson, Gabby Justice, Tiffany Martin, Latasha McPeek, Brandy Rudder, Victoria Smith, Crystal Williams, Deana Wyatt
Not Pictured: Shannon Blair, Jennifer Gibson, Melodie Griffith, Gerra Jackson, Susie Johnson, Tyler May, Megan Murray, Corina West, Jessica Wilson
