Medical Assistant - How to Get Started
The medical assistant certificate program begins once a year during the summer term. Any student admitted to MHCC can sign up for classes in the program after reading, writing, and math placement requirements have been met. This is an open entry program - there is no application process. Registration for the summer term is open from April through June.
Complete the MHCC Application Process
It is easy to get started at MHCC. Simply follow the steps in our new student checklist. These include filling out the admission form, figuring out how to pay for college through programs like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA), connecting with our staff to choose classes, and more.
Applied to MHCC? Here's what to do next
After you have been admitted to MHCC, you will need to meet the course registration requirements in reading, writing, and math. You can take the courses below OR you can place into the courses by taking the college placement test.
Before starting the program, students unfamiliar with computer applications (like MS Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) are encouraged to take BA131: Introduction to Business Computing and earn a C or better. BA131 is recommended, but not required.
Placement Requirements Needed to Get Started in This Program
| READING | WRITING | MATH |
| Placement into RD115 or completion of RD090 | Completion of WR090, Placement into WR115, or IECC201W Writing Skills with a C or better | Placement into MTH065/MTH098 or completion of MTH058/060 |
Learn more about college placement testing
Sign up for classes
After completing the placement requirements, you can sign up for classes. First-term students should sign up for these classes:
- MA110 Fundamentals for the Medical Office (three credits)
- MA110L Fundamentals for the Medical Office Lab (one credit)
- MA140 Understanding Medical Insurance (three credits)
- MA213 Medical Terminology (two credits)
- BI100 Survey of Body Systems (four credits)
Have more questions? Connect with the student services hub
Additional Program Costs
In addition to Mt. Hood Community College tuition and fees, you can expect the following costs to complete this program. These costs are approximations and are listed only as a guide for your financial planning.- Immunizations (varies depending on what an applicant already has done) - $400.00
- Fees (Lab, Clinical, Standardized Test) - $1,250.00
- Uniforms, School Patch, Name Tag, Shoes - $200.00
- Clinical Tools (stethoscope, watch) - $75.00
- Travel to Clinical Sites - Variable
- Textbooks - $250.00
- National Certification Exam - $250.00
- Drug Screen and Criminal Background Check - $130.00
- CastleBranch Subscription - $100
Take the next step with Mt. Hood Community College
Have questions about the Medical Assistant Program?
Read Medical Assistant Frequently Asked Questions