Program Description
Students receive training in assisting doctors with clinical procedures such as minor surgeries.  The Medical Assistant administers medications, performs electrocardiograms, draws blood, as well as appointment scheduling, managing medical records, insurance billing and coding, communications, and patient education.

Employment Outlook
The Medical Assisting Program provides education and training for employment in physicians’ offices, community health centers, urgent care centers and select outpatient facilities.  The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics lists medical assisting as one of the fastest growing occupations in the country with an expected growth of 57%.  There are lots of jobs.  Salaries range from approximately $22,000 to $37,000 per year.  Career advancement opportunities, such as office manager, clinical team leader and research coordinator are also available.  According to the Arizona Business Journal, medical assisting is the number one Hot Job in Arizona (January 10, 2003).  The raptid growth continues.

Program Cost
The cost of the program is approximately $3,200, including tuition, books and labs.

Program Schedule and Length
Day and Evening schedules are available.  Day students attend classes Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from approximately 8:00 am-5:00 pm and complete the program in approximately nine months.  Evening hybrid program students attend classes Mondays and/or Tuesdays from 5:30-9:30 pm to complete the program in approximately nine to ten months.  Both programs include an externship in an outpatient laboratory to demonstrate and enhance phlebotomy skills and an externship in a medical office to demonstrate and enhance medical assisting skills.

Students wishing to attend the evening hybrid program must, in addition fulfilling the program prerequisites, possess their own personal computer at home, have full-time 24/7 internet access (high-speed preferred), and their own personal email account.  For other requirements please contact the Program Director or the Advisement Office.

Certification Process
Upon successful program completion, the student will be eligible to take the American Medical Technologists National Medical Assisting Exam.

University Transfer
The Arizona Course Applicability System provides information on courses, course equivalencies, and program requirements at all public universities in Arizona. Some universities, such as Northern Arizona University (NAU), offer a bachelor degree in Medical Assisting.  All your Medical Assisting certificate or degree credits may transfer as a block.