Medical Assistant Certificate

Certificate of Completion: 70 credits

Academic Plan: MLAMAC45

Enrollment Point: Fall or Winter Quarter

The Medical Assistant Certificate Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of Medical Assistant Education Review Board (MAERB).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US Highway 19 N., Suite 158
Clearwater, FL  33763
(727) 210-2350

The program prepares students to become multi-skilled professionals who perform a variety of patient-related tasks in physician offices and other health care settings. The design of the curriculum meets the credentialing requirements for Medical Assistant-Certified as described in RCW 18.360. Students learn to set up clients for examination, draw blood for basic lab studies, administer certain medications, perform EKG’s, assist with minor surgical procedures and master front office skills related to medical records and billing. A practicum experience is included. A state certification is required of all those who work in this field and is obtained after passing a required credentialing exam. The Registered Medical Assistant Exam from the American Medical Technologists is given to all students during the last quarter of the program. Students who successfully complete all the requirements of their core course will receive a Certificate of Completion. 

 

To earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree, students must complete the certificate program and meet the general education course requirements. 

 

Practicum Requirement 

As part of their education, students are required to complete 160 hours of unpaid practicum in a real-world healthcare setting. This hands-on learning allows students to apply their knowledge and skills under the supervision of experienced professionals, providing invaluable preparation for their future roles. 

Career Readiness 

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be equipped to pursue entry-level positions as medical assistants, offering essential support in a variety of healthcare environments. 

A state certification is required of all those who work in this field and is obtained after passing a required credentialing exam. The Medical Assistant Certification from the National Healthcare Association is given to all students during the last quarter of the program.  

A Certificate of Completion is awarded upon successful completion of core course requirements.  To earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree, students must complete the certificate program and meet the general education course requirements. 

 

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Enter the allied health workforce as a competent entry-level medical assistant in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.     

• Demonstrate professional behavior, including empathy, compassion, respect, and ethical conduct, when interacting with patients, peers, and the healthcare team. 

• Communicate effectively using patient-centered language with individuals of diverse ages, cultures, identities, and health literacy levels, including the use of interpreters/resources when appropriate. 

• Demonstrate teamwork and collaboration by participating in role-plays and group activities, completing shared responsibilities on time, and communicating respectfully with peers, instructors, and clinical site personnel. 

• Perform and document clinical and administrative procedures using appropriate medical equipment, infection prevention practices, and safety protocols. 

• Accurately document patient information and care activities using electronic health records (EHR) while maintaining privacy and confidentiality. 

• Explain how social determinants of health (e.g., access to care, income, education, housing, environment) can influence health outcomes and patient care planning. 

• Demonstrate readiness for a nationally recognized medical assistant credentialing examination through completion of program competencies and exam-aligned preparation activities.