Heidi McLean has accepted a position as the new director of the Medical Assisting program for Cleveland State Community College.
“We are very excited to welcome Heidi McLean,” stated Susan Webb-Curtis, dean of Business and Healthcare. “She comes to us with a tremendously strong background in medical assisting in the field, as well as having experience as a college instructor. She will bring the best of both worlds to our classrooms this fall.”
“I always planned on returning to a community college setting after leaving Anne Arundel Community College in July of 2006,” stated Ms.McLean. “I didn’t realize at the time that Medical Assisting director positions are very coveted, and often employees stay in their position until retirement so the opportunities can be few and far between. The Cleveland State position became available at the perfect time for me.”
According to Dean Webb-Curtis, Cleveland State was the only Tennessee community college that offered an associate of applied science degree for many years. As a result of the strong curriculum, CSCC graduates have been quick to find employment in their field. Many are hired by the doctors’ offices where they complete their required externships, she said.
Prior to accepting the position at Cleveland State, Ms. McLean served in a number of roles in the healthcare field including urgent care, primary care, as well as many specialty physician practices with her most recent role being the Medical Office Administration and Medical Assisting instructor for Fortis College in Smyrna, Ga.
Ms. McLean stated, “I’m most looking forward to the professional work environment CSCC offers. I feel confident I will thrive here. The brand new health sciences building will be a great asset to the allied health careers training of our students, but also CSCC as a whole.”
According to Ms. McLean, some of her immediate goals for the program include “maintaining the great reputation at CSCC, preparing students for the national examination and increasing the first attempt pass rate on the National Examination.” Some long-term goals include “expanding recruitment, increasing program enrollment, adding online offerings, certificate options and pathways to national certifications.”
Ms. McLean earned her associate of arts degree from Anne Arundel Community College and her bachelor’s degree in health systems management from the University of Baltimore, both in Maryland. She is currently pursuing her master’s in health administration from the University of Phoenix. In addition, Ms. McLean has completed a number of certifications in medical assisting, medical coding, medical insurance, massage therapy and phlebotomy.
Ms. McLean is married to Tim, a former United States Marine Corps officer, and they have two daughters. In her spare time, she likes to cook, read, hike, travel and attend her daughters’ extracurricular events.
Ms. McLean stated, “I love working with Dr. Cunningham (Healthcare Department chair) and Dean Webb-Curtis, they are both exceptional role models for me to learn from. I am hopeful for a long, positive and professional relationship.”