State CIP Code 0351080102 

The Medical Assisting Career Certificate Program is a three-semester program that prepares students for entry-level positions in one of the fastest-growing healthcare fields. Medical assistants play a vital role in ambulatory care settings, supporting physicians and other healthcare professionals by performing both clinical and administrative duties. This comprehensive program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary to succeed in a variety of healthcare environments. Through a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory work, simulation exercises, and supervised clinical experiences, students will learn essential competencies such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, patient communication, clinical procedures, electronic health records, and administrative office practices. 

The curriculum is designed to align with national certification standards.  By completing the program, students will be eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) and the American Association of Medical Assisting Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification exams. Additional NHA credentials are embedded throughout the program, all of which will increase employability and career advancement opportunities: Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS), Certified EKG Technician (CET), Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), and Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS). 

Selective Program Admissions 

Certain programs are labeled as “selective” and require applicants to fulfill additional requirements before being accepted. Furthermore, there may be a limited number of available seats in the program. Please review the additional criteria provided below and visit the program’s website for any further information. 

Before Program Admission 

This program includes practicum experience hours. Therefore, to enroll in the program, applicants must be at least 18 years old and provide a copy of their high school transcripts or equivalent documentation. Additionally, applicants must undergo a background check and drug screen and provide immunization records to meet the requirements of local healthcare providers. Applicants should be cognizant of the time commitment required for practicum experience hours during the final semester of the program (three 8-hour shifts/per week [24 hours per week] for 8 weeks). 

After Program Admission – Placement Testing 

Students who meet the provisions listed here are exempt from placement testing. Per Florida statute, students who are not exempt from placement testing must 1) earn a Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) score that demonstrates college readiness or 2) pass Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE) with a completion level 10. The initial attempt on this exam must be completed within the first six weeks of enrollment in the program but can be done prior to admission. Visit the Testing & Assessment Services website for more information.