Ashley Barnard

Ashley Barnard serves as the Program Chair and Instructor in the Department of Medical Assisting at Mercy College of Health Sciences, located in Des Moines, Iowa. She has been with the institution since 2022 and plays a key role in shaping the curriculum and instruction for aspiring medical assistants.

Education:

• Master of Education (MEd), Upper Iowa University (2025)
• Bachelor of Arts in Education, Arizona State University (2015)
• Certificate in Medical Assisting, Mercy College of Health Sciences (2021)

Her professional focus lies in healthcare education, particularly in training students for both administrative and clinical roles in medical settings. Areas of interest include autism awareness and improving patient care through effective medical assisting practices.

Ashley is a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and actively contributes to the professional development of students through courses such as MA Administrative Procedures, MA Clinical Procedures, and MA Practicum Clinical Field Experience.

Professional Memberships:

• American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)

She has taught at clinical sites including MercyOne Iowa Heart and MercyOne East Village Family Practice, integrating real-world experience into her teaching. While no research publications or formal advising of graduate students are listed, her contributions are centered on program leadership, instruction, and student readiness for healthcare careers.