Marhefka Recognized as One of the Nation’s Longest-Serving Medical Assisting Program Directors

Longevity in higher education is rare. Sustained excellence over decades is even rarer. At Central Penn College, that kind of dedication has a name: Nikki Marhefka.

For more than 24 years, Marhefka has served as Program Director of Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy, helping shape the education, careers, and lives of countless students while strengthening Central Penn College’s reputation for high-quality, career-focused health care education.

That commitment was recently recognized on a national level. The Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) honored Marhefka in its annual “veteran” recognition, ranking her #7 among the 27 longest-serving program directors nationwide. The recognition was featured in the MAERB Tipping Point newsletter and highlights program directors who have maintained the longest consecutive tenure while leading CAAHEP-accredited programs.

Among institutions across the country, Marhefka stands out not only for her years of service, but for the consistency, quality, and outcomes achieved under her leadership.

A Career Defined by Impact

At Central Penn College, Marhefka oversees the Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy Technician, and Medical Billing and Coding programs. Her role goes far beyond administration. She designs and teaches core clinical, administrative, and anatomy and physiology courses, while also coordinating all student practicums—ensuring graduates are truly prepared for real-world health care environments.

The results speak for themselves. Under her leadership, the Medical Assisting programs maintain 100% graduate and employer satisfaction rates, along with a 90% pass rate on the NHA Phlebotomy Certification Exam. These outcomes reflect not only rigorous academics, but a deep understanding of what today’s health care employers expect from entry-level professionals.

For more than two decades, Nikki Marhefka has helped define what health care education looks like at Central Penn College—hands-on, student-focused, and deeply connected to industry needs. Her recognition as one of the longest-serving program directors in the nation is not just a personal achievement, but a testament to the program quality and institutional commitment that have long been hallmarks of Central Penn College.

As the college continues to prepare the next generation of health care professionals, Marhefka’s legacy of leadership, consistency, and excellence remains a cornerstone of that mission.

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