Long-time Central Penn College Instructor Named to Power List in Health Care

Central Penn College’s Program Director of Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy, Nikki Marhefka, has earned regional recognition as one of the “Power Players in Health Care,” the Central Penn Business Journal announced this week.

Marhefka is the director of the Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy Technician, and Medical Billing and Coding Programs at Central Penn College. She has designed and taught the majority of the anatomy and physiology, administrative and clinical courses for both the on-ground and hybrid programs. In addition, she coordinates all student practicums.

She has been teaching medical assisting since 1995 and has been a contributing author for several medical laboratory textbooks. In 2009, she received the Todd A. Milano Faculty Excellence Award, which is given to one professor at the college annually. She was chosen as a Central Penn Business Bureau Healthcare Hero in 2020.

Nikki holds certification in Medical Technology (Clinical Laboratory Science) with the American Society for Clinical Pathology and is a Certified Medical Assistant with the American Society of Medical Assistants. She currently is active and an officer in the Pennsylvania Society of Medical Assistants. She is also a Red Cross instructor for first aid, CPR/AED and Basic Life Support.

“I believe in giving back to the community,” said Marhefka. She volunteers by supporting the Salvation Army holiday gifts program, organizing a book drive at the college. She also volunteers with Junior Achievement to present financial literacy lessons to kindergarten students. As the faculty advisor for Club M Ed, she enlists the help of student members in participating in philanthropic activities with community organizations.

Nikki completed the LHA Community Leadership program in 2005. She enjoys reading, gardening and rooting for Pittsburgh sports teams.

A remarkable 100% of graduate and employer satisfaction rates for the Medical Assisting Programs have been positive. The program’s pass rate for the NHA Phlebotomy Certification Exam is 90%.

The full list of Power Players in Health Care can be found here: https://www.cpbj.com/meet-cpbjs-2025-power-list-for-health-care/