Medical Assistant Program

Medical Assistant (MA)

Program Description

The Medical Assistant Program is a 30-45 -week program designed to qualify individuals to become qualified medical assistants. The program consists of 720 hours in total, including 560 hours of theory and 160 hours of externship in the clinical setting. The program prepares students to work under the physician in an administrative and clinical capacity. The Administrative/Office Medical Assistant portion of the program prepares students to perform office duties such as phone answering, appointment scheduling, insurance billing, computerized medical records, and forms. The Clinical Medical Assistant portion of the program prepares students to assist a physician and provide care to patients in a doctor’s office or clinic. The program combines classroom instruction with a medical office externship. Clinical Medical Assistants’ duties include assisting the physician with exams and minor surgery, taking patient vital signs, caring for patients, performing simple lab tests, and administering medications and injections. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the California Certifying Board of Medical Assistants Examination (CCBMA). 

Delivery Format: Hybrid

Admission Requirements

Students must possess the following:

• High School Diploma or GED or pass an ATB entrance exam.
• At least 18 years old
• Valid Social Security Number or ITIN

Participation Requirements

• Good physical and mental health (Verified by a health practitioner via a physical examination and tuberculosis screening). The following immunizations are required: MMR Vaccination (Measles Mumps Rubella), TB Test- (Tuberculosis) and the test must be within the past 6 months before the class start date. If known to be PPD positive, must have a negative chest x-ray.
• Pass a criminal background screening.
• Speak, read, and write the English language.
• Possess proficient computer skills, including navigating operating systems, managing files, using common office applications, and engaging in online communication, as computer literacy is essential for academic success and program readiness.

Job Classification Code

The Medical Assistant Program prepares graduates for the following job classifications as classified by the United States Department of Labor: Code: 31-9092- Medical Assistants.

Description of Instruction Provided

Instruction provided includes classroom lectures, skills lab, and clinical training.

Medical Assistant (MA) Program Objectives:

1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of medical assisting.
2. Demonstrate effective communication skills with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
3. Apply critical thinking skills to assess patient needs and respond appropriately to changes in their condition.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in basic MA skills such as taking vital signs, performing basic laboratory procedures, and assisting with patient examinations.
5. Understand legal and ethical issues in healthcare and adhere to professional standards.
6. Gain hands-on experience through supervised clinical training in various healthcare settings.

Medical Assistant Program Fees