Elizabeth City – College of The Albemarle (COA) celebrated four Medical Assisting (MA) graduates in a pinning ceremony held Monday, May 6, 2024, in the Performing Arts Center at COA – Elizabeth City.

During the ceremony, the graduates received their pins, participated in a candle-lighting ceremony, and recited the Medical Assisting Creed. They completed 840 class and lab hours and 180 hours in clinical settings.

Special recognition awards are presented during the pinning ceremony each year. This year, Kaileigh Nixon was honored with the Academic Excellence Award, a testament to her dedication and hard work. Joyce Leary was recognized with the Stella B. Gallop Spirit of Medical Assisting Award, symbolizing her passion and commitment to the profession.

The 2024 graduates include (top, l-r) Emily Crumpler of Pasquotank County, Madison Kennedy of Perquimans County, Joyce Leary of Pasquotank County, and Kaileigh Nixon of Pasquotank County.

“Congratulations to the COA Medical Assisting Class of 2024,” shared Rebecca Walker, Medical Assisting Associate Professor and Program Coordinator. “Medical assistants are in demand in our local area, and by attending the program at COA, you will be job-ready and eligible for certification in one year. The profession is versatile, and our program includes training in all aspects needed to function as a vital healthcare team member in a modern medical office.”

For information on COA’s Medical Assisting program, visit www.albemarle.edu/medassist or contact Rebecca Walker at [email protected].

For all other COA-related information or media inquiries, contact Tammy W. Sawyer, COA Director of Communications and Marketing, at [email protected] or 252-335-0821, ext. 2420.