Questa Education Foundation and Orthopaedics Northeast (ONE) are launching a new program to support students pursuing careers as Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs). Students in the program will receive up to $5,000 a year for two years in loan funding that can be 100% forgiven when students graduate and work at ONE for three years. The program is designed to support students with educational expenses, reduce college debt, and connect students with employment opportunities at ONE.
With their unique, forgivable loan program, Questa funds over 400 students a year to help them achieve postsecondary education and remain in the region to start their careers. Partnerships with local employers like ONE enable Questa to expand their impact—funding more students while directly supporting employer hiring needs. As employers in all industries struggle with talent shortages, healthcare is particularly hard hit.
“Certified Medical Assistants are an important part of our ONE healthcare teams, and we recognize the need to support future healthcare professionals,” said Lori Pagan, CEO of ONE. “We are delighted to launch this innovative program with Questa to help more students achieve their CMA education and start their careers at ONE.”
Questa partners with several local employers to fund students in high-demand fields and connect students with career opportunities with sponsoring employers. Financial support for students helps the region build the talent pool needed for the future.
“Funding through Questa reduces financial barriers for students who have the passion and desire to work in healthcare, but who may not be able to pursue further education without this type of support,” said Matt Shady, Dean for the School of Health Sciences at Ivy Tech. Ivy Tech is a long-time partner of Questa and offers a technical certificate and associate degree program for students to achieve a credential as a Certified Medical Assistant.
Applicants for the program should have an interest in working at ONE after graduation. Students must be residents of northeast Indiana, accepted or enrolled in a CMA program, and within two years of completing their program. Interested students can learn more and apply for the ONE program at www.questafoundation.org. Applications open this spring and will remain open year-round.