Medical Assisting Certificate

Certificate | SC Program: CT.3452

Program Overview

To learn more about the program, please visit the Medical Assisting Certificate Program website.

Medical Assisting Certificate

The Medical Assisting Program prepares the student with the knowledge, skills, and distinctive qualities necessary for the medical assisting profession. The medical assistant possesses a broad scope of skills which make them ideal allied health professionals in the ambulatory care setting.  During this program, students will learn vitals, EKG, venipuncture, injections and pharmacology, assisting in minor office surgery, waived testing, patient advocacy and education, medical terminology, basic anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, as well as medical office administrative tasks. Such versatility affords graduates the opportunity to find employment in clinics, urgent-care facilities, primary care and specialty physician offices, including podiatry, chiropractic, and optometry.

Medical assistants have also found employment in medical laboratories, surgical centers, electrocardiography departments in hospitals, government agencies, and educational institutions. Core coursework can be completed in two semesters, including 4-week externship (162 hours). A Certificate of Achievement may be earned by completing all courses with a grade of “C” or better. The medical assisting profession is highly diversified, and the work is challenging and personally rewarding.

This certificate is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of all degree requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this certificate.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this certificate, the student should be able to:

• Apply the knowledge and skills needed to perform entry-level competencies in clinical and administrative medical assisting as outlined by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
• Apply the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully pass the certification exam through NHA, NCCT, or CCBMA.
• Apply knowledge, skills, and professionalism necessary to compete in the job market.
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as an individual and collaboratively as a team member to resolve challenges in a changing healthcare environment.

Student Selection and Fees

Space in the program is limited. In order to be eligible for enrollment, students must satisfy the prerequisites listed and file a program enrollment packet with the Admissions Office during designated enrollment periods. Students are enrolled on a first come first serve basis until classes are full.

To begin the program, the student must:

• Complete the Admission Application for Shasta College or be an active Shasta College student.
• Enroll in courses following the recommended sequence of courses for the Medical Assisting Program.
• Submit all required paperwork before beginning ALH coursework.
• Submit proof of a high school diploma.
• Provide a copy of current negative tuberculosis screening.
• Submit proof of immunizations or immunity.

Additional fees include

• Textbooks
• Transportation costs related to externship
• Immunizations
• Scrubs, athletic shoes, stethoscope
• Certification fees