Medical & Dental Programs

Medical Assisting Program

Prepare for a hands-on role in patient care with Carrington College’s Medical Assisting program. Learn the clinical and administrative skills to support physicians and healthcare teams in medical offices and specialty clinics.

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Program Details

What Will I learn

Carrington College’s Medical Assisting certificate provides hands-on training in both patient care and medical office procedures, preparing you for a vital role in healthcare.

Upon completion of the medical assistant training program, graduates will be able to:

Apply anatomical and physiological concepts to normal body function and common disease processes using accurate medical terminology
Administer medications safely using correct dosage calculations, routes, and documentation standards.
Perform laboratory and clinical procedures according to safety protocols, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
Coordinate patient care by providing education, resources, and support that promote health and continuity of care.
Manage administrative operations by maintaining accurate records, supporting scheduling and billing, and using EHR or EMR systems to keep workflows efficient.
Communicate effectively using professional verbal, nonverbal, and written skills.
Comply with laws, ethical standards, and professional guidelines to protect patient rights and maintain confidentiality.

Carrington College prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the Medical Assistant program.

Military Policy

Cost & Financial Aid

Your education is an investment in your future, and Carrington College is here to help. We offer a variety of financial aid options, including federal, state, and private programs, as well as student loans, grants, and scholarships are available for those who qualify. Each program has different requirements and application instructions. Our team is here to guide you through the options and application process.

Academic Cost

For complete details on current tuition costs, please refer to the Academic Catalog.

Location Availability

Online students: All Medical Assisting classes in this program are offered in an online format, except the in-person externship that is completed at an approved healthcare setting.

Accreditation & Approvals

Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, 428 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814; 415 506 0234 an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at accjc.org.

For comprehensive information on Carrington College’s accreditation and approvals, visit carrington.edu/accreditation-and-approvals/.

Course Catalog

Program Specific Disclosures

Continuing Education For Graduates

Student Outcomes

REAL WORLD SKILLS

With many classes to guide you, you’re certain to be prepared for your career.

START YOUR PATH

You can earn your certificate in as few as 9 months.

FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS

Offered online and at multiple locations in the Western U.S., including AZ, CA, ID, NM, NV, OR, and WA.

AFFORDABLE TUITION

Affordable tuition varies by program and location.

Overall, my experience at Carrington College was incredibly positive; the entire staff was helpful and hands-on.

Juandarius H.

2020 Medical Assistant Program Student

Medical Assistant Career Opportunities

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants perform clinical and administrative tasks in physicians’ offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Their duties vary depending on the location, specialty, and size of the practice, and can range from frontline patient care to behind-the-scenes work.

Medical assistant duties can include the following:

Interviewing patients and recording their medical history
Measuring patients’ vital signs, such as their blood pressure and weight
Assisting physicians with patient examinations
Giving patients injections or medications as directed by physicians and as permitted by state law
Scheduling patient appointments
Collecting and preparing blood samples and other specimens for laboratory tests
Entering patient information into medical records
Maintaining an inventory of medical and office supplies

For more information, check out our Medical Assistant Career Guide.

Medical Assistant Core Skills and Competencies

Medical Office Functions

Diagnostic Tests

Explain Patient Procedures

Equipment and Supplies

Why Become a Medical Assistant?

Have you always wanted to work in a medical setting? If so, a job in medical assisting might be a good career choice. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recommends medical assistant positions for anyone interested in working directly with patients. Taking a medical assistant program is also an excellent first step for students who want to develop their medical assistant skills before pursuing nursing or physician assistant programs.

Is a Career in Medical Assisting Right for You?

Medical assisting may be the right career for you if:

You want a rapid training pathway to a healthcare career.
You enjoy working in a fast-paced environment.
You enjoy helping people and working with patients.
You are organized and stay calm under pressure.
You prefer hands-on work over desk jobs.

If medical assisting sounds like an exciting career, learn more at How to Get Medical Assistant Certification: A Step-by-Step Guide.

Inside Carrington College’s Medical Assistant Program

Medical Assisting Program FAQs

A sample of Medical Assisting classes at Carrington College may include:
- MA10.5 Clinical Theory 1—This course provides theory in the following areas: vital signs, electrocardiography, phlebotomy, capillary, puncture, medical asepsis, laboratory testing and safety and urinalysis. In addition, this course provides theory for the following body systems: urinary, nervous, senses, integumentary, lymphatic, immune and cardiovascular. Study includes anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, diseases, disorders, and appropriate procedures for each body system listed above. This is a blended course.
- HCA110 Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professionals—This course examines the structure, function, and common diseases and disorders of the skeletal, muscular, lymphatic, immune, integumentary, nervous, special senses, digestive, urinary, endocrine, reproductive, respiratory, and cardiovascular body systems. Students explore how these systems work individually and together to support health and wellness, and study basic nutritional principles and their relationship to body function. Emphasis is placed on accurate medical terminology, word construction, abbreviations, and symbols with correct spelling and pronunciation.
- MAP126 Clinical Applications—In this course, students will discuss the role of the medical assistant in a clinical setting. Students will demonstrate noninvasive procedures such as electrocardiograms and vital signs. They will prepare exam rooms, exam trays, using medical and surgical aseptic techniques. They will discuss blood-borne pathogen guidelines for a safe medical office. A minimum grade of C or better is required to pass this course.
- HCP203 Medical Office Management—This course is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required in medical office management and communication. Students will learn the fundamentals of providing exceptional patient care, mastering effective communication, understanding office management responsibilities, exhibiting professional conduct, and utilizing medical office software applications.

Medical Assisting Program

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