Montgomery County Community College (Montco) offers a Medical Assisting Certificate program that prepares students to work in both administrative and clinical roles within healthcare settings. The program provides a balanced curriculum of coursework, hands-on lab training, and practical experience, enabling graduates to enter the workforce as entry-level medical assistants. Students can complete the program in as few as three semesters full-time or five semesters part-time, earning a total of 31 credits.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and prepares students to sit for national certification exams, such as the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). This training equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in diverse healthcare environments, from physicians’ offices to hospitals.
Curriculum and Format
The program combines classroom instruction with practical application, covering essential topics such as medical terminology, clinical assisting procedures, and laboratory techniques. The curriculum includes 12 credits in the first semester, 13 in the second, and a six-credit practicum in the final semester. Key courses include Medical Office Technologies, Medical Law and Ethics, and The Human Body in Health and Disease.
Students benefit from flexible scheduling options, as the program is available in both full-time and part-time formats. The practicum provides critical hands-on experience at healthcare facilities, ensuring students can confidently apply their knowledge in real-world settings. However, students must meet specific health, background check, and insurance requirements to participate in the practicum.
Certification and Career Outcomes
Upon completing the program, graduates are eligible to sit for certification exams, including the American Medical Technologists (AMT) and National Healthcareer Association (NHA) exams. These credentials increase employability and earning potential in the healthcare field. Graduates are prepared for roles such as medical assistants, phlebotomists, and administrative healthcare staff.
Montco emphasizes professional growth, with program outcomes focusing on critical thinking, effective communication, and mastery of both administrative and clinical tasks. The program’s alignment with nationally accepted standards ensures students are well-prepared for employment in various healthcare environments.
Prerequisites
To enroll in the program, students must:
- Complete placement tests in English, reading, and math, meeting minimum proficiency levels.
- Provide proof of health insurance.
- Pass a comprehensive physical examination, including required vaccinations and a drug screen.
- Submit background checks, including FBI clearance and child abuse history clearance.
- Maintain a grade of “C” or better in specific courses to progress through the program.
Additional Requirements
- Students must purchase uniforms, textbooks, liability insurance, and supplemental supplies.
- Clinical externship participation requires adherence to professional standards, including grooming and dress code policies (e.g., no visible tattoos or piercings other than ear lobes).
- Completion of a national certification exam is mandatory before program completion.
Is This Program Right for You?
This program is ideal for individuals looking for a flexible, accredited pathway into the healthcare field. Whether you’re interested in administrative work, patient care, or a combination of both, the curriculum supports diverse career goals. If you are detail-oriented, enjoy helping others, and are committed to meeting the program’s academic and clinical requirements, Montco’s Medical Assisting Certificate could be a great fit for you.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | In-county: $223/credit; Out-of-county: $399/credit; Out-of-state: $575/credit |
| Duration | 3 semesters (full-time) or 5 semesters (part-time) |
| Class Schedules | Full-time or part-time options |
| Online Classes? | No |
| Requirements | Placement tests, health insurance, physical exam, vaccinations, background checks, CPR certification |
| Address | Blue Bell Campus: 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422; Pottstown Campus: 101 College Drive, Pottstown, PA 19464 |
| Phone | 215-641-6300 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | https://www.mc3.edu/degrees-and-programs/programs/health/medical-assisting-certificate |
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