Medical Assistant - Certificate
Overview
Limited Entry Program
See Department website and program contacts here
The Medical Assistant certificate is designed for students seeking careers in healthcare office and clinical settings. The curriculum combines administrative and clinical healthcare training to prepare students to support physicians and healthcare teams in medical offices, clinics, and related healthcare environments.
Coursework includes topics such as patient care, vital signs, medical records, laboratory procedures, injections, electrocardiograms (EKGs), scheduling, insurance processing, and healthcare office procedures. Students develop practical clinical and administrative skills used to support patient care and daily healthcare operations.
The Medical Assistant program is workforce-focused and prepares students for entry-level employment in medical offices, clinics, and outpatient healthcare settings. Students learn both clinical and administrative responsibilities commonly performed by medical assistants in healthcare environments.
Because this is a limited entry program, students should review application requirements carefully and work with program advisors regarding eligibility, prerequisite completion, and program planning.
Students must select Medical Assistant as their major in order to enroll in program coursework.
Students are encouraged to work with an advisor to ensure appropriate course selection and program planning based on their educational background and career goals.
Refer to the tabs above for additional information about:
- Education Plan – provides a sample term-by-term sequence of courses
- How to Apply – details the steps required to apply to the program
- Career Info – includes information on potential occupations, employment trends, and earnings
Program Learning Objectives
At the completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Perform essential administrative and clinical tasks in an ambulatory care setting.
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in routine medical office situations.
- Communicate professionally with patients, providers, and healthcare team members.
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge in medical terminology, calculations, and healthcare concepts.
- Practice safely and professionally, adhering to legal, ethical, and regulatory standards.
- Meet program competencies required for successful national certification.
- Take a patient’s info and medical history.
- Prepare patients for exams.
- Assist the doctor during an exam.
Education Plan
This sample Education Plan illustrates one possible course sequence. Students should consult an advisor to create a personalized plan.
Admission Requirements
All students must complete the following to be admitted to the program:
- Pass a criminal background check.
- Submit required immunization records.
- Pass a drug screen as directed by the program.
Registration Requirements
In order to register for first term courses, students must meet the following registration requirements:
- Placement into WR115+, or completion of WR090.
- Students must be fluent in reading and writing English without the use of translation devices to ensure effective communication in patient care settings.
- Placement into MTH065+, or completion of MTH058 or MTH060 (or higher).
- Completion of BA131 Introduction to Business Computing.
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Before starting the program, students must have foundational computer application skills (MS Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) and be comfortable navigating digital systems. Students who are not familiar with computer applications must complete BA131 and earn a grade of "C" or higher. Students who are already proficient in computer applications and online learning are not required to take BA131.
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During the first week of the program in summer term, students will be assessed on basic computer navigation skills. Those who are unable to demonstrate proficiency will be required to take BA131.
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| First Quarter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Credits | |
| MA110 | Fundamentals for the Administrative Medical Assistant | 3 |
| MA112 | Introduction to Clinical Procedures | 1 |
| MA140 | Understanding Medical Insurance | 3 |
| MA213 or MO111 | Medical Terminology for the Medical Assistant or Medical Terminology | 2-4 |
| BI100 | Survey of Body Systems 1 | 4 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Second Quarter | ||
| Fall | ||
| MA136 | Medical Documentation | 3 |
| MA210 | Fundamentals of the Clinical Medical Assistant | 6 |
| MA210L | Medical Assistant Clinical Procedures Lab | 4 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Third Quarter | ||
| Winter | ||
| MA111 | Communication Skills in Healthcare | 3 |
| MA214 | Medical Assistant Clinical Practicum | 7 |
| MA215 | Review for Medical Assistant Certification Exam | 2 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 38 | |
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Students who elect to take an Anatomy and Physiology course series as part of their program requirements must complete the full sequence prior to the end of the program in order to meet graduation eligibility.
Awarding Requirements
The following requirements(s) must be fulfilled to be awarded the Medical Assistant Certificate:
- All courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher.
- All courses must be taken in the prescribed sequence stated above.
How to Apply
The Medical Assistant program is a limited-entry program. The program begins once each year during the summer term. Students must meet program eligibility requirements before enrolling in first-term Medical Assistant coursework.
View current admissions requirements and program information
Application Steps
Step 1: Apply to MHCC
Students should apply for admission to Mt. Hood Community College and select Medical Assistant as their major. Students needing assistance with changing their major should contact Academic Advising.
Step 2: Meet Placement Requirements
Students must meet placement or prerequisite requirements in writing and mathematics prior to beginning the program.
- Writing: placement into WR 115 or higher, or completion of WR 090
- Mathematics: completion of MTH 058 or MTH 060, or placement into MTH 065 or MTH 098
Students unfamiliar with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook are encouraged to complete BA 131 before beginning the program. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Step 3: Meet Age and Technical Standards
Students must be at least 18 years old by the start of the third term of the program and must be able to meet Medical Assistant technical standards related to physical, visual, auditory, communication, and cognitive abilities required in healthcare environments. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Step 4: Complete Program Compliance Requirements
During the first term of the program, students must complete required healthcare compliance requirements at the direction of the program coordinator.
- Criminal background check
- 10-panel drug screening
- Tuberculosis screening
- Required immunizations
Additional Information
Admission to Mt. Hood Community College does not guarantee continued enrollment in the Medical Assistant program. MHCC reserves the right to modify admission requirements and program expectations.
Students are encouraged to work closely with an advisor regarding educational planning, prerequisite completion, and healthcare program requirements.