The Medical Assisting program prepares students for employment in a variety of positions in today’s medical offices. The Medical Assisting program provides learning opportunities which introduce, develop, and reinforce academic and occupational knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. Additionally, the program provides opportunities to upgrade present knowledge and skills or to retrain in the area of medical assisting. Graduates of the program receive a Medical Assisting diploma.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the Medical Assisting program are prepared for responsible positions as medical office assistants, medical secretaries, medical receptionists, clinical staff, laboratory assistants, and other related health care occupations.
Accreditation/Approval
The Medical Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB, www.maerb.org). CAAHEP may be contacted at 25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763, Phone 727.210.2350. Web: www.caahep.org.
Licensure/Certification
Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification exam given by the American Association of Medical Assistants.
Admissions Criteria
- Submit a completed application and application fee;
- Be at least 17 years of age;
- Submit official high school transcript or GED transcript;
- Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;
- Meet the following assessment requirements:
| Test |
Reading |
Writing |
Numerical |
Algebra |
| Accuplacer |
55 |
60 |
34 |
NA |
| Accuplacer (Next Gen) |
224 |
236 |
229 |
NA |
| Compass |
70 |
32 |
26 |
NA |
| SAT |
16 |
15 |
18 |
NA |
| SAT |
270 |
280 |
310 |
NA |
| ACT |
14 |
13 |
14 |
NA |
| ASSET |
37 |
38 |
32 |
NA |
| PSAT |
16 |
15 |
18 |
NA |
| GED |
NA |
145 |
145 |
NA |
| TABE |
461 |
NA |
442 |
NA |
Readmission to the Medical Assisting Program
Students requesting readmission to the Medical Assisting program after a leave of absence of one year must request readmission in writing to the Program Director and must prove competency in the previously taught skills through testing and performance prior to a readmission.
Medical Assisting Curriculum
The curriculum for the Medical Assisting diploma program is designed for the semester system. A student may enter the program any semester. To graduate, Medical Assisting diploma-seeking students must earn a minimum of 54 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of 1440 contact hours and generally takes 5 semesters to complete.
Program Courses
Basic Skills Courses (9 Credits)
Occupational Courses (45 Credits)
NOTE: “C” or higher grade is required for all the above courses.
Program Costs
Tuition/Fees: $5,770
Books/Supplies: $1,100
Uniform Costs: Approximately $250*
Liability Insurance: $10 per fiscal year
Certification Exam: $125
2-Step TB Test: $40
Hepatitis B Series: $265
Drug Screening: $30
Criminal Background Check: $39-$80
Course Supply Fees:
- MAST 1080 Medical Assisting Skills I: $20
- MAST 1090 Medical Assisting Skills II: $50
*Uniforms are required beginning with MAST 1080 (Costs are estimates and are subject to change.)
Clinical Education
Number of Practicum Sites: 20
General Location of the Practicum Sites: Bryan, Bulloch, Candler, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Jenkins, and Screven Counties
Special Requirements of the Practicum Sites:
- CPR Certification; First Aid Training;
- Prior to practicum placement, students must submit documentation of current TB skin testing and all required immunizations, including Hepatitis B. Students who refuse the Hepatitis B vaccination series must sign a declination form and be aware that practicum sites may refuse to accept them. Forms will be provided by the instructor.
- Criminal Background Check
- Urine Drug Screen, 10 panel or higher
Practicum Education Courses
The Medical Assisting practicum provides students with an opportunity for in-depth application and reinforcement of principles and techniques in a medical office job setting. The clinical practicum allows the student to become involved in a professional work situation applying technical skills. The practicum requires that the student spend a minimum of 225 hours in a supervised work setting. Students may not receive any compensation from the practicum site for practicum hours. If the student misses more than 10%, he/she will automatically be dropped from the course. Students are evaluated by the practicum site preceptor and the practicum coordinator.
Clinical Assignments
Practicum times may range 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8:00 a.m.-12 noon on Saturdays. Practicum sites are selected by the practicum coordinator. Students are responsible for having reliable transportation to the site.