Medical Assisting Program offers fall and spring starts to meet demand
The Modesto Junior College Medical Assisting Program, which traditionally begins in the fall of each year, now offers a spring semester option, and seats are available in the spring 2017 cohort.
MJC added the spring program to help meet the community’s growing demand for highly-skilled, credentialed medical assistants. Medical assisting is one of the nation's fastest growing careers, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job growth can be attributed to a number of factors, including a growing number of elderly Americans who need medical treatment and an expected surge in the number of physicians' offices and outpatient care facilities.
MJC’s recent addition of both faculty and an instructional support assistant allows for additional Medical Assisting Program course sections. Additionally, the flexibility of online course offerings enables more students to access classes. MJC’s program changes are aimed toward assisting students in achieving their academic and career goals.
Students have the opportunity to earn a certificate of completion, an Associate of Science degree in Medical Assisting, or both. The two-semester certificate program offers training in administrative (front) and clinical (back) office procedures. This program prepares students to take the national certification exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) to become a Certified Medical Assistant.
Medical assisting students at MJC receive transferable college credit for coursework. Many program graduates choose to further their education by obtaining an Associate of Science degree in medical assisting or nursing.
The estimated certificate program cost of $2,700 includes a $46 per unit enrollment fee, a materials fee, various student fees, as well as uniform, books, certification exam, and clinical clearance process.
In addition to the reasonable cost of the program, MJC students have the added benefit of college credit and a comprehensive list of student services including a Career and Transfer Center, Counseling Center, Health Services, Library and Learning Center, Tutoring Center, student activities and more. Information on financial aid is available in the Financial Aid Office located in Yosemite Hall A147 on West Campus, 2201 Blue Gum Avenue in Modesto, or by calling (209) 575-7700.
Program applicants must have a high school diploma, a GED or a college degree and have completed the admission process to be a student at MJC.
The MJC Medical Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).
Questions about the program can be directed to the MJC Allied Health Division Office at (209) 575-6362 or visit http://mjc.edu/instruction/alliedhealth/medap.