Medical Assistant, 1-yr Certificate

The purpose of this program is to train the graduate for a successful career in the profession of medical assisting, and eligible to become a Certified Medical Assistant. The Certified Medical Assistant is a vital member of the ambulatory health care team.

45 credits (prerequisites: 14-15 credits)

Program Contacts

Cost

Estimated Cost for Core Program: $12,297

  • Resident Tuition: $ 6946
  • Technology Fees: $ 644
  • One Time Credit Enrollment Fee: $ 31
  • General Student Fees: $ 425
  • Online Course Fee: $ 0
  • Books / Course Materials: $ 2,250 (Some courses use Open Educational Resources (OER), which are free or low-cost materials.)
  • Other Costs + Expenses: $ 1,374 (certifications/licensure/exams, health Insurance, immunizations, application fee, background check, drug/alcohol screening and ADB-Camplio tracking account)
  • Differential Fees: $ 627

Estimated Cost for Prerequisites: $ 3,088

  • Resident Tuition: $ 2,567
  • Technology Fees: $ 238
  • General Student Fees: $ 283

Costs provided are estimates only, and may differ depending on course type and/or modality. Learn more and view current tuition and fee information.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who complete this program will be able to:

PLO 1 - Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology to perform clinical procedures and make informed decisions about patient care

 

PLO 2- Implement principles of infection control, asepsis, and safety protocols in compliance with federal and state guidelines

 

PLO 3 - Demonstrate effective written, verbal, and nonverbal communication skills with patients, families, and healthcare team members while maintaining professional boundaries

 

PLO 4 - Document patient care accurately and completely in the electronic health record using appropriate medical terminology and maintaining patient confidentiality

 

PLO 5 - Perform clinical procedures competently, including:

  • Vital signs and patient measurements
  • Specimen collection and processing
  • Diagnostic testing
  • Medication administration
  • Patient positioning and transfer
  • Assisting with examinations and procedures

PLO 6 - Execute administrative and practice management procedures including:

  • Appointment scheduling
  • Medical records management
  • Insurance processing
  • Financial procedures
  • Inventory management

PLO7 - Practice within the scope of education, training, and legal standards while demonstrating professional behaviors, medical ethics, and cultural sensitivity

 

PLO 8 - Respond to emergency situations by implementing safety protocols and emergency procedures according to current industry standards

 

PLO 9 - Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills through the application of mathematical concepts, research utilization, and evidence-based practice principles

Admission Information

See the Medical Assistant Application Information or contact Academic Advising for assistance.

Program Requirements

All courses must be completed with a letter grade of C or better. P/NP is not accepted.

Program Prerequisites

Must be completed with a grade of C or better. P/NP not accepted. Prerequisites are required for program admission.

MTH 105ZMath in Society

4

WR 115Introduction to College Composition

4

HP 100Medical Terminology 1

3

 

HP 150Human Body Systems 1

3

Or

BI 231ZHuman Anatomy and Physiology 1

4

MTH: See Footnote 1. 

WR: See Footnote 2.

Prereq Note: See Footnote 3.

Program Core Courses

Must be completed with a grade of C or better. P/NP not accepted.

HP 105EHR for the Provider Office

3

HP 110Health Office Procedures

3

HP 153Introduction to Pharmacology

3

HP 220Legal and Ethical Aspects of Healthcare

3

 

HP 152Human Body Systems 2

3

Or

BI 232ZHuman Anatomy and Physiology 2

4

 

MA 112Medical Insurance Procedures

3

MA 119Introduction to Medical Coding and Scribing

3

MA 150Laboratory Orientation

3

MA 110Clinical Assistant 1

3

MA 120Clinical Assistant 2

3

MA 130Clinical Assistant 3

3

MA 206Co-op Ed: Medical Assistant Seminar

2

MA 280Co-op Ed: Medical Assistant

5-12


Complete one of the following:

Must be completed with a letter grade of C or better. P/NP is not accepted.

COMM 115Introduction to Intercultural Communication

4

COMM 218ZInterpersonal Communication

4

COMM 296Communication in Healthcare Settings

4

 

MA 280: complete a minimum of 5 credits 

HP 110: See Footnote 4.

MA 112/119: See Footnote 5.

HP 150/BI 232: See Footnote 6.

Electives

Students using lower-credit courses to meet requirements may need to take additional 100-level or higher electives to reach the 45-credit minimum. Complete any course(s) 100-level or higher to reach 45 total credits.

Footnotes

1 – Math (MTH/STAT) higher than MTH 095 is also accepted (MTH 052 may also be substituted)

2 – WR 127 or higher writing is also accepted

3 – To meet minimum application requirements (points included), additional coursework may be needed. See Academic Advisors and application packet for information

4 – HP 110 satisfies the Human Relations requirement and cannot be substituted

5 – MA 112, MA 119, & courses with the prefixes BT, CIS, CS, and HP may be taken prior to program acceptance

6 – Must either complete HP 150 & HP 152 or BI 231Z & BI 232Z. Mixing sequences is not allowed

Notes

  • To view all important info for all programs (grading, total credits, honors, etc.), visit the Programs of Study page.
  • This is the parent program for Medical Assistant: Basic Health Care, CPC
  • The following requirements must meet universal standards order for internships: Proof of required immunizations; tuberculosis (TB) screen; 10-panel drug and alcohol screen; and criminal background check.
  • Cooperative Education: During the required Co-op work experience in spring term, students rotate through local medical offices and clinics in both clinical and administrative settings. Students earn college credit and gain actual work experience. Students also receive instruction in the identification and proper use of other medical equipment and valuable on-the-job training. A required weekly seminar during Winter term includes resume writing instruction, interviewing techniques, and other job-search skills.

Licensing and Certification

Certified Medical Assistant: CMA (AAMA). This is a National Certification.

Accreditation

Medical Assistant, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, a specialized accrediting board recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, on recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants Endowment. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 25400 US Highway 19 North, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33753; 727-210-2350

Sample Term Planner

Medical Assistant Sample Term Planner

*Subject to change. Connect with an academic advisor to create an individualized academic planner.