LIBERAL, KANSAS — May 1, 2025 – Seward County Community College (SCCC) and Garden City Community College (GCCC) and have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand educational opportunities for students in Liberal and the surrounding areas. This agreement establishes a partnership for a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) program taught on the SCCC campus by instructors from both colleges.
GCCC’s Medical Assistant program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide medical office administrative services and perform essential clinical duties under the supervision of physicians. The program covers a range of competencies, including patient intake and care, routine laboratory procedures, pre-examination and examination assistance, medication administration, and first aid. Upon successful completion of the full program pathway, students earn a Certificate C and are eligible to sit for the American Medical Technologists National RMA Exam.
According to the Kansas Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for Medical Assistants is projected to grow 13% by 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. This same data estimates more than 700 annual job postings in this field within the state. These healthcare professionals work in diverse settings, including specialty clinics, physician’s offices, hospitals, and other medical facilities.
“This partnership with SCCC allows us to expand access to high-quality medical training for students in Liberal,” said Dr. Ryan Ruda, President of GCCC. “By working together, we are creating new pathways for individuals to enter the healthcare field and meet the growing demand for skilled professionals. Cost sharing in these types of partnerships makes each dollar taxpayers invest more efficient while meeting the needs of healthcare access in southwest Kansas.”
“At SCCC, we focus on developing pathways to equip our students for success, and this addition to the certificates in our Allied Health division is a great example,” said SCCC President Brad Bennett. “Students who already hold the Certified Nurse Aide, Certified Medication Aide, and phlebotomy certificates from SCCC can now add the RMA to their skill set.”
This MOU enables students in Liberal and nearby communities to pursue their RMA training locally, eliminating the need to relocate and making education more accessible for those balancing work and family commitments. The MOU reflects a strong partnership between the two institutions.
“We believe strong colleges stand together and partner whenever there’s an opportunity,” Bennett said. “Our truck driving /CDL partnership with GCCC is a great example, and this new RMA offering is aligned with our goal to work with our peers to serve this region.”
For more information or to enroll in the Registered Medical Assistant program, contact SCCC at 620-417-1404 or visit sccc.edu.
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