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Hands-On Medical Assistant Training

A Medical Assistant Program Designed for You. New Weekend Option Available!

9
months Quick-start your career
3
locationsLos Angeles, Ontario and Orange County
2
DAYS A WEEKIn class, the rest online
Want more details about the Medical Assistant program?

By submitting this form, I provide my signature, expressly consenting to calls, prerecorded messages, emails and/or texts regarding my educational options from American Career College using an automated dialing system to the number and email address provided. I understand my consent is not required to enroll at American Career College, and that I can withdraw my consent at any time. To request information without consenting, please call 877-832-0790. I also understand that I may revoke my consent at any time in accordance with ACC's Opt-Out Disclaimer. All information provided is subject to ACC's Privacy Policy. (**Standard rates may apply.) Disclaimer I understand that if I no longer wish to receive text messages from ACC, I may revoke my consent at any time by texting back "Stop" to unsubscribe from the service. I understand that if I no longer wish to receive emails, I may revoke my consent at any time by clicking the "Unsubscribe" link within any email I receive from ACC. I understand I may revoke my consent to receive calls by informing any ACC associate calling me that I no longer want to receive calls from ACC.

*Required

Earn your medical assistant diploma so you can be ready to assist with exams and effectively manage a doctor's office.

Through a Medical Assistant program, you can get the training you'll need to assist healthcare professionals in real-life medical settings. You can learn to effectively communicate, administer tests and record vitals to provide optimal patient care.

Choosing the right medical assistant school can be a difficult choice. At ACC, we emphasize hands-on training and real-world preparation. Train to keep healthcare offices running smoothly to ensure patients are receiving the best care.

Discover a medical assistant school near you! ACC offers the Medical Assistant program at three campuses across Southern California: Los Angeles, Ontario and Orange County.

This medical assistant program is taught in a blended format, combining online classes with only 2 days a week of in-person instruction. Weekend classes are available at all three campuses: Los Angeles, Ontario, and Anaheim.

Program accredited by Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

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In ACC's Medical Assistant Program, You'll Learn to:

Learn to Conduct Patient Exams & Tests

Conduct Patient Exams & Tests

Learn to Record Vital Signs

Record Vital Signs

Learn to Manage an Office

Manage an Office

Learn to Draw Blood

Draw Blood

Learn to Communicate Effectively

Communicate Effectively

Medical Assistant Course List

Learn more about what's in store for you in the Medical Assistant diploma program. For more on medical assistant courses, visit the college catalog.

Required Courses

Course Number

Title

Clock Hours

Clinical Hours

Quarter Credits

MA100 Medical Assistant Role and Responsibilities 80 0 6.0
MA200 Office Procedures and Clinical Practices 80 0 6.0
MA300 Medical Terminology/Transcription/ Patient Records 80 0 6.0
MA400 Electrocardiogram and Laboratory Procedures 80 0 6.0
MA500 Medical Office Business Procedures 80 0 6.0
MA600 Clinical and Surgical Procedures 80 0 6.0
MA700 Clinical Procedures and Pharmacology 80 0 6.0
EXT-MA Externship § 220 200 8.5
 

Totals

780

200

50.5

Course Number: MA100

Title Medical Assistant Role and Responsibilities
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: MA200

Title Office Procedures and Clinical Practices
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: MA300

Title Medical Terminology/Transcription/ Patient Records
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: MA400

Title Electrocardiogram and Laboratory Procedures
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: MA500

Title Medical Office Business Procedures
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: MA600

Title Clinical and Surgical Procedures
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: MA700

Title Clinical Procedures and Pharmacology
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: EXT-MA

Title Externship §
Clock Hours220
Clinical Hours200
Quarter Credits8.5

TOTALS

Clock Hours

780

Clinical Hours

200

Quarter Credits

50.5

Courses offered in a blended format, a combination of online and on ground.
§ Courses offered on ground.

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 50.5

Medical Assistant
Medical Assistant Program Overview

The ACC Medical Assistant (MA) program is designed to help you acquire the knowledge and training to work successfully in a medical office, clinic, health maintenance organization (HMO), or other healthcare setting. Medical assistants perform important tasks to assist doctors and nurses; they also play an integral role in enhancing the patient experience.

By developing a skill set in administrative and clinical procedures, you can feel confident completing duties including:

  • Preparing treatment rooms for patient examinations.
  • Explaining treatment procedures, medications, or physicians' instructions to patients.
  • Collecting blood, tissue, or other laboratory specimens, and preparing them for testing.
  • Operating electrocardiogram (EKG) and/or other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests.
  • Performing general office duties, such as greeting patients, answering phones, and filling out insurance forms.1

ACC classes are modeled after real-life situations, giving you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience using industry-current medical equipment. The Medical Assistant program includes a 200-clinical hour externship for students to demonstrate and reinforce the skills they developed in the classroom. After successfully completing the program, graduates will be prepared to work as an entry-level medical assistant.

1 National Center for O*NET Development. 31-9092.00 - Medical Assistants. O*NET OnLine

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FAQs

What is a medical assistant?

A medical assistant is a professional who performs administrative duties in a medical office, as well as some clinical duties under the direction of a physician.1 Medical assistants help health facilities run smoothly and are important for helping to create a positive patient experience.

1California Employment Development Department, California Occupational Guides, Medical Assistants

What will I be trained to do as a medical assistant?

Students in our Medical Assistant program will be trained to perform duties such as the following, which are aligned with the standard duties of medical assistants in California:

  • Schedule appointments
  • Check office and lab supplies
  • Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations
  • Run routine lab tests
  • Take and record vital statisticsand medical histories
  • Provide patients with explanation of medications, treatment procedures, physician instructions, etc.1

1California Employment Development Department, California Occupational Guides, Medical Assistants

Am I a good fit for the Medical Assistant program?

If you love working with people and are good at making themfeel at ease, you might enjoy being a medical assistant. Here are some of the top skills and attributes that make for a great medical assistant:

Active listening – Not only do medical assistants greet patients, but they also speak with them to obtain medical information. Being a good listener allows a medical assistant to properly obtain essential information.

Critical thinking – Medical assistants are essential in the workings of a healthcare office. Critical thinking can help them more efficiently manage office schedules, inventory, and tasks.

Service orientation – A great medical assistant isone with a passion for helping patients and for providing the best carepossible.

Time management – Medical assistants have to effectively manage their own time between attending to patients and handling office tasks.

Communication – When working with patients, medical assistants have to be strong communicators, especially when speaking to patients and providing healthcare instructions.

Where can I work as a medical assistant?

Medical assistants can work in a variety of settings, including:

  • Physicians’ offices
  • Outpatient care centers
  • General medical and surgical hospitals
  • Offices of other healthcare practitioners1

1California Employment Development Department, California Occupational Guides, Medical Assistants

What will I learn in the Medical Assistant program?

This class curriculum is divided into learning units called modules. Students are required to complete the Introduction to Healthcare class module before beginning the standalone core class modules. The final component of thecourse curriculum is a 200-hour school externship that will be arranged for youat an appropriate local healthcare facility. Modules for the American Career College Medical Assistant program include:

Introduction to Healthcare Professions – The course provides an overview of healthcare professions, including the history of medicine, ethical standards, medical terminology and behaviors that are expected of professionals in the field.

Medical Assistant Roles and Responsibilities – Topics covered in these courses include the legal responsibilities of physicians and healthcare team members, the importance of asepsis and sterile techniques, medical emergencies and first aid procedures, and how to interact and communicate effectively in a professional environment.

Office Procedures and Clinical Practices – In these courses, you will be challenged to learn and identify the basic structural components and functions of the skeletal, muscular, digestive and integumentary systems. Emphasis is placed on patient care, including the complete physical exam and positioning, and draping for a variety of procedures.

Medical Terminology/Transcription/Patient Records – Coursework in this module covers use of the medical dictionary, medical terms,and medical abbreviations. You will also learn how to obtain information from patient charts and ledgers to complete insurance forms accurately.                            

Electrocardiogram and Laboratory Procedures – In these courses, you will receive training in the circulatory and respiratory systems, including the structure and function of the heart and lungs. You will learn about the electrical pathways of the heart muscle in preparation for connecting EKG leads and recording an electrocardiogram.

Medical Office Business Procedures – These courses focus on preparing you with an understanding of billing, collecting, and banking procedures. You will learn how to schedule appointments and effectively communicate on the telephone using proper etiquette.

Clinical and Surgical Procedures – In these courses, you will learn to identify the basic structural components and functions of the neurosensory, endocrine, andreproductive systems. You will also be introduced to assisting in minorsurgical procedures and to the importance of patient education.

Medical Assistant School Externship – Under the direct supervision of qualified personnel, you will be given the opportunity to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills presented and practiced throughout the program.

For a complete description of coursework in these modules, please refer to the ACC Catalog.

How long will it take to earn my Medical Assistant diploma, and what is the program type?

Students can earn their diploma to become a medical assistant in as little as 9 months at ACC. The program features a blended format with 2 days in class and the rest online. Weekend classes are available at all three campuses: Los Angeles, Ontario, and Anaheim.

How do I apply to the Medical Assistant program?

You can apply to ACC online. To be eligible for admission into the Medical Assistant program, you will need to:

  • Meet with an admissions advisor
  • Show proof of high school graduation or a recognized equivalent
  • Pass a standardized entrance exam
  • Complete an enrollment agreement
  • Pay a non-refundable application fee upon enrollment

For the full list of admission requirements, please visit the ACC Catalog.

How much does the Medical Assistant program cost?

Our admissions advisors and financial aid advisors are here to support you. They can help you figure out the Medical Assistant school cost and guide you as you explore financial aid options. Learn more about ACC’s Medical Assistant program tuition cost.

Is financial aid available for the Medical Assistant program?

Yes, financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Will I get real-world training?

Yes! ACC's Medical Assistant program includes a 220-hour externship which gives students the opportunity to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills they acquired learning hands-on throughout the training program.

What is the difference between a medical assistant and a nurse?

The key differences between a medical assistant and a nurse are the level of patient care that they deliver, as well as their licensure requirements. Medical assistants are trained to perform both administrative and clinical duties, which can include everything from scheduling appointments and assisting with billing to taking patients’vitals and administering medications.1

Registered nurses are able to perform a wider range of patient care duties, including patient assessments and the development and implementation of care plans.2 RNs are required to pass a licensure exam whereas licensure is not required to become a medical assistant in California.1,2

1California Employment Development Department, California Occupational Guides, Medical Assistants
2California Employment Development Department, California Occupational Guides, Registered Nurses

Medical Assistant
After over 200 hours of your externship, you'll be ready to jump-start your new career.

Our classes are modeled after real-life situations, using the same medical equipment you'll come across in your first job. That way, you're prepared to jump in on your very first day.

Schedule a Tour

"I was lost before I started coming here and it really made me get back on track to who I want to be and who I know I can be."

- Tayler C. '21

Medical Assistant
How to Become a Medical Assistant in California

Are you interested in entering into the field of healthcare? If so, you may want to consider pursuing a career as a medical assistant. This role gives you the opportunity to positively impact the patient experience while also boosting efficiency within a healthcare organization. Medical assistants provide both administrative and clinical support, which means they’re performing important office duties as well as assisting with the process of patient care.

See Career Guide

Want more details about the Medical Assistant program?

By submitting this form, I provide my signature, expressly consenting to calls, prerecorded messages, emails and/or texts regarding my educational options from American Career College using an automated dialing system to the number and email address provided. I understand my consent is not required to enroll at American Career College, and that I can withdraw my consent at any time. To request information without consenting, please call 877-832-0790. I also understand that I may revoke my consent at any time in accordance with ACC's Opt-Out Disclaimer. All information provided is subject to ACC's Privacy Policy. (**Standard rates may apply.) Disclaimer I understand that if I no longer wish to receive text messages from ACC, I may revoke my consent at any time by texting back "Stop" to unsubscribe from the service. I understand that if I no longer wish to receive emails, I may revoke my consent at any time by clicking the "Unsubscribe" link within any email I receive from ACC. I understand I may revoke my consent to receive calls by informing any ACC associate calling me that I no longer want to receive calls from ACC.

*Required

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