The Medical Assistant Certificate program is designated as a Health Manpower Shortage Program; therefore, some residents of Maryland enrolled in the Medical Assistant Certificate program on the first day of the term may be eligible for in-county tuition rates for courses required for program completion.
Purpose: This certificate program is designed for the student interested in an entry-level position as a medical assistant in a medical office. The program provides lecture as well as competency-based training in both administrative and clinical procedures. There is also a non-compensated externship experience in which students work in an actual ambulatory care setting. Externship hours are scheduled during the day, Monday through Friday. Externship sites may have their own requirements that students must meet prior to their externship experience. Medical assistant certificate students must maintain a grade of “C” or better in all program courses. Students may be required to repeat MAP and/or PLB courses, based upon the time sequence when these program courses were completed. Prior to externships, students must provide appropriate health examination record(s) and all required tests and immunizations, along with a urine drug screen and criminal background checks. Prior criminal records may prohibit students from program externship and employment opportunities. Students must also have a current American Heart Association BLS Provider CPR certification. Students who do not academically pass their externship course or who are asked to leave their externship site, may be recommended for dismissal from the course and/or program.
Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to sit for the American Medical Technologists, Registered Medical Assistant, or the Registered Phlebotomy Technician national certification exams in medical assisting.*
Curriculum: The curriculum is divided into areas of study consisting of lecture, laboratory, and clinical experiences. Content areas of the curriculum include anatomy and physiology, information technology, medical office management, diagnostic laboratory procedures, phlebotomy, communications, and professional ethics.
Program Outcomes: Graduates of the Certificate Program in Medical Assisting will be able to:
- Provide appropriate patient care with respect for diverse cultures, values and beliefs.
- Competently perform routine medical assisting procedures.
- Utilize appropriate standard precautions
- Exhibit professionalism in all communications and encounters with patients and the health care team.
- Make critical decisions appropriate for the medical assistant.
- Practice within the ethical and legal framework of the profession.
Admission Requirements: Admission to HCC does not guarantee admission to the Medical Assisting certificate program. The requirements below must be completed and submitted to the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management before the first day of class.
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended.
- College placement tests in mathematics, English and reading.
- Completion of MAT 099 and ENG 100, or satisfactory results on placement tests.
- A minimum cumulative grade point average for all college coursework of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Foreign education students must have their college and high school transcripts evaluated by World Education Services (WES).
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