Medical Assisting Certificate Program
Are you one who could make a visit to the doctor’s office go smoothly for both the patient and doctor? If so, a career as a medical assistant might be right for you.
What Does a Certified Medical Assistant Do?
A medical assistant is often the first professional a patient sees. Before the doctor arrives, the medical assistant has greeted the patient, brought them to the treatment room, and talked with them to get vital data. During the visit, the medical assistant may perform X-ray and EKG tests, collect fluids or tissue, or complete other routine duties. After the doctor leaves, it is often the medical assistant who explains the treatment, medications, diet, or instructions.
Career Outlook
Now is a great time to enter a medical assisting career. Jobs are expected to grow by 29% through the year 2026 as our population ages. The average yearly wage for medical assistants in Massachusetts is $39,310 in May 2017.*
Program Details
MWCC’s Medical Assisting Certificate is an 8-course program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP). After you finish your coursework, you will complete a 160-hour externship at a medical office or healthcare facility where you will perform hands-on work under an approved supervisor.
What to Expect in Our Medical Assistant Certification Program in Gardner, MA
You will take the skills you learn in classes and apply them to hands-on situations when you enter your externship. Our faculty teach the clinical and administrative skills you need to excel in the healthcare field, such as venipuncture. You will learn about:
- Recording information for patient records.
- Assisting physicians during routine tasks.
- Taking vital signs.
You will also study the human body and learn to complete other procedures such as drawing blood or weighing a baby.
How Long Is Medical Assistant Training?
Medical assistant training programs in Massachusetts are about a year long, including the externship.
Medical Assistant Certification
Once you complete the Medical Assisting Certificate, you will be able to sit for the national Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Exam through the American Association of Medical Assistants.
How to Become a Medical Assistant in Massachusetts
Once you have graduated from your program and taken the exam, you can explore career options at a range of locations, including doctor’s offices, clinics, and hospitals.
What Careers Are Open to You With Medical Assistant Certification in MA?
With a medical assist certificate, you can enter many fields. Our graduates have become:
- Healthcare administrators.
- Medical records managers.
- Office managers in a range of healthcare practices.
You can pursue leadership positions at Massachusetts hospitals, doctor’s offices, and clinics with the medical assistant certification.
Why Choose a Community College for Your Medical Assistant Certification?
Community colleges provide a nurturing environment for those who desire more support in their academic experience. The exceptional faculty members at MWCC ensure you get a great learning experience, equivalent to what you find at a four-year college but at a much more affordable price.
MWCC also offers many advantages you won’t find at a four-year college. We look out for our students with programs like our food pantry, where students can secure up to 20 items each month, including hygiene supplies, canned goods, and microwavable meals.
We maintain small class sizes, with a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:15. That’s equivalent to what you’d find at a private college and allows for more individualized instruction. Our faculty make active connections with students, who can ask questions and ensure they have a thorough understanding of the material. Small class sizes make the transition to higher learning easier for students coming from high school.
The Benefits of Our Medical Assisting Certification
Many students looking for quality medical assistant certification courses at an affordable price enroll in MWCC, where they find outstanding faculty and excellent academics. Many of our adjunct faculty members also teach at four-year colleges.
MWCC provides competitive tuition rates. Instead of plunging into debt thanks to the hefty price tag of a four-year college, you can get an education that provides a better value and allows you to pursue a career with minimal student loans. Other reasons to attend MWCC include:
- An award-winning Veterans Service department, which aids service members transitioning from soldiers to students.
- A commitment to sustainability, including proactive efforts to save energy and reduce our carbon footprint.
- Medical assistant summer program offerings.
Get in touch with us to request more information about our program or to apply. We don’t charge an application fee.
*According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Request More Information