Classes

***** ESTIMATE ONLY - ALL PRICES  & DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE *****

Course Info

Length:  
15 Months (1300 Clock Hours)

Schedule:
Monday 8 am-1 pm; Tuesday-Friday 8 am-2 pm
(Summer hours ) Monday- Thursday 8 am - 2:45 pm

This program is fully accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) on recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
7777 Leesburg Pike, Suite 314 N
Falls Church, VA 22043
Phone: 703.917.9503

Medical Assisting Standards:

• Possess a standard U.S. high school diploma or GED from a school accredited by an approved accrediting association
• CASAS (Reading and Math) test scores: 244 in Reading, 608 in Language & 241 in Math OR meet CASAS exemption (refer to Admissions and Testing) 

Program Requirements:        

• Physical examination/immunizations
• Criminal background check 
• Random drug screenings

PLEASE NOTE:  
Students entering all health programs with a clinical study requirement must submit to a criminal background check and random drug screenings at their own expense.

If problems arise with the results of either the criminal background check or the drug screening, students will not be permitted to attend the clinical portion of the program which then results in program non-completion. 

A history of felony convictions or substance abuse may adversely affect your ability to gain employment or take licensing exams in the medical profession. We encourage you to consider your personal history when making appropriate career choices.

2023-2024 Curriculum Frameworks

Program Description
The Medical Assisting program covers Healthcare Foundations: Basic Healthcare Worker, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) – Basic Life Support (BLS), Basic First Aid, Blood Borne Pathogens, Culture & Diversity, Professionalism in Healthcare, Employability. Front Office Competencies: Medical Office Receptionist, Telephone Techniques, Electronic Health Records, Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology, Disease & Disorder. Back Office Competencies: Phlebotomy, Electrocardiography, Clinical Assisting Procedures - Vital Signs, Physical Therapy, Special Senses, Assisting Physician with Exams. Clinical Lab Procedures: Point of Care Testing, Autoclaving, Instrumentation, Assisting with Minor Surgery. Pharmacology: Drug Administration, Dosage Calculation, Drug Classification, Prescription Drugs, Preparing and Administering Medications. 

This program also includes a fulltime, nonpaid, 200 hour externship in physicians' offices and clinics which allows students to demonstrate their ability to adjust to office situations, their proficiency in both administrative and clinical areas, and their ability to work with others.

Book and Supply Information  
For the most current list of books and supplies, please contact the Student Services Office, Financial Aid Office or our Bookstore. 

Employment/Career Opportunities
Medical Assistants are employed in many different health care settings, including doctor’s offices, walk-in clinics, outpatient facilities, hospitals, dialysis clinics, and urgent care centers. Medical Assistants should not be confused with Physician Assistants who examine, diagnose and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician.

Salaries
Incomes range from $15.00 – 19.00 per hour.    Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Medical Assistants : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the responsibilities of a Medical Assistant?
The Medical Assistant is a multi-skilled health care professional dedicated to assisting in all aspects of medical practice under the direct supervision of a physician. The Medical Assistant assists with patient care and care management, executes administrative and clinical procedures, and often performs managerial and supervisory functions. Medical Assisting is a demanding and competitive career. The Medical Assistant must be able to handle a fast-paced environment within a doctor’s office, clinic, or health care facility. A Medical Assistant must be able to perform multiple tasks in a demanding environment and directly interact with the public. Competence in the field also requires that the Medical Assistant adheres to ethical and legal standards of professional practice, recognizes and responds to emergencies, and demonstrates professional characteristics.

What are the job opportunities for a Medical Assistant?
Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 16 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 123,000 openings for medical assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. 

What career advancement exists for a Medical Assistant?
Medical Assistants often advance to become office managers, making decisions that determine the policies and procedures of the practice. Also, Medical Assisting is an excellent launching pad for people pursuing careers in other health care areas.

Is there math computation involved in this field?
Yes, math skills are needed to perform many of the duties of a Medical Assistant.

Is there much homework in the Medical Assistant program? 
Yes. Not all assignments will be completed in class. It will be your responsibility to finish the assignment in the time allocated by the instructor. Students who devote and apply time to complete their assignments, and time to study the assigned content, tend to complete the program with higher grades and a better understanding of theoretical and clinical responsibilities.

Other than a physician's office, who hires Medical Assistants?
Medical Assistants are hired by most medical settings that treat outpatients, such as walk-in clinics, occupational health clinics and, occasionally, hospital emergency rooms. With the skills they have, insurance companies hire Medical Assistants for pre-insurance physicals, as well as, clerical positions where medical terminology skills are needed.

What type of people would enjoy working as Medical Assistants?

People in the medical assisting field usually possess these attributes: good communication skills, integrity, dependability, and are courteous, and energetic. Medical Assistants enjoy a fast-paced work environment, helping others, problem solving, critical thinking, are empathetic, and a team player.

Because medical assistants are held to a higher standard of professionalism than employees in other industries the way the medical assistant approaches the job and interacts with patients is critical to their success. Patients and your colleagues expect professionalism and place their care, trust, and confidence in those who are professional in demeanor.

Many skills that contribute to the professionalism of a medical assistant include being dependable, trustworthy, loyal, well-mannered, focus driven, flexible, credible, confidential, and enthusiastic.

Industry Certifications
CPT - Certified Phlebotomy Technician
CCMA - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant 

Is job placement available upon graduation?
Advisory committee representatives and teachers provide students with guidance and recommendations.

Are there physical demands associated with this program?
Yes, students are required to lift 50 pounds without any restrictions, stand, sit, squat and bend for extended periods of time.  Students must also be able to perform CPR or Basic First Aid skills without restrictions.  

How can I learn more about this career field?
Occupational Outlook Handbook and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics

For questions regarding the program please contact:  Tammy.Alva@hcps.net