How do I know what classes to take before I start the program?
The requirements are listed at https://www.mhcc.edu/MedicalAssistant-Getting-Started. If you would like assistance with prerequisite course planning or determining your readiness for summer term start, contact an academic adviser. 

What will be covered in the program?
The Medical Assistant program will provide the student with a complex body of knowledge, specialized skills and practical experiences needed by a medical assistant to work in a variety of ambulatory care settings. It is a three (3) term certificate program focusing one term on front office skills, one term on back office skills and the third term will be a clinical precepted experience working in a medical clinic with a medical assistant.

What does the class schedule look like?
 The classes are offered Monday through Thursday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

How heavy is the workload?
The answer to this question is very individual. If you have a job and a family, the workload will be heavier than if you are not working and/or have fewer responsibilities.

How can I get a better idea of how much time that is?
A good way to guestimate how much time you will spend studying would be to take the number of credits per week and multiply that by 2 hours of homework per credit. For example: 12 credit hours multiplied by 2 homework hours would equal 24 hours per week. Add the two: 12 hours in school + 24 hours homework = 36 hours per week.

I have a criminal history; will this bar me from starting the program?
If you have a criminal history, we strongly encourage you to contact Jean Anne Parker, Program Director or the Dean of Health Professions for more information.

Am I eligible to sit for a board/licensure exam at the end of the program?
Students are able to sit for certification with the NHA (National Healthcare Association), the AMT (American Medical Technologists), and the NCCT (National Center for Competency Testing) although medical assistants are not required to be certified or licensed in most states.  

What is the starting pay for a medical assistant in the local area?
The average salary in the Pacific West (Oregon, Washington, California, Alaska, and Hawaii) is approximately $20.91 per hour or $43,506 annually. The job outlook according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics “is projected to grow 16 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.”

Who should I contact if I have additional questions regarding the program?
Please contact Jean Anne Parker, the Program Director, at JeanAnne.Parker@mhcc.edu.