Medical Assisting Certificate Program
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Medical Assisting Certificate Program

Classes Start May 6th

The Medical Assisting Certificate Program at CHCP integrates online learning with hands-on laboratory sessions to train students in a foundation of clinical and administrative skills at a flexible pace.

Starting any career in the healthcare field begins with getting the right education, and becoming a medical assistant is no different. Due to its versatile nature, medical assisting is an ideal place to begin for those who aren’t sure which healthcare specialty interests them most. 

While there are a variety of paths you can take to becoming a certified medical assistant, the traditional, fully on-campus experience may not be the right fit for everyone. For some, taking a certified medical assistant program online offers the flexibility they need. The online Medical Assisting Program from The College of Health Care Professions is designed to help prepare students to become medical assistants. Spanning just 48 weeks, this program takes a hybrid approach that allows students to take online medical assistant classes in tandem with several on-campus, hands-on training opportunities supervised by medical assisting professionals. The goal of the program is to prepare students to take the Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant Exam through the National Association of Health Professionals and enter the workforce as knowledgeable, skilled medical assistants.

Flexible On-Campus Learning

Students enrolled in the online medical assistant training program will complete the majority of their courses virtually for maximum convenience. However, these medical assistant online classes are supplemented by in-person training at our Texas campuses to give students the chance to hone their skills. CHCP also offers a more hybrid, blended learning Medical Assistant Certificate Program, in which students receive instruction online and can also choose from one of the following program schedules at any of our Texas campus locations:

  • New one-day on-campus learning
  • Two-day on-campus learning
  • Two- and three-day on-campus night classes

Taking Your Education Further

At CHCP, the credits you accrue toward a Medical Assisting Certificate carry added significance, as they can be transferred into our Health and Medical Administrative Services Associate Degree Program. Crafted as a pathway to degree completion, this program encourages students to expand their knowledge and work to further their careers.

Medical Assisting Programs in Texas | Our Locations

While the Medical Assisting Certificate Program is designed to be completed primarily online, students will still need to attend lab sessions and hands-on clinical training at their chosen campus. Placed across multiple major metropolitan cities in Texas, every CHCP campus offers the option for online medical assistant training.

Medical Assisting Programs Online | Houston

Houston - Med Center Campus Houston - Northwest Campus Houston - Southwest Campus

Medical Assisting Programs Online | Dallas and Fort Worth

Dallas Campus Fort Worth Campus

Medical Assisting Programs Online | Austin

Austin Campus

Medical Assisting Programs Online | San Antonio & McAllen

McAllen Campus San Antonio - North Campus San Antonio - South Campus

Online Medical Assisting | Skills and Course Modules

Similar to our on-campus option, those pursuing an online medical assistant certificate through CHCP will partake in our multifaceted training methods. Throughout the program, students are instructed in a wide range of skills, from cataloging patient histories to taking vital signs and working as liaisons between providers and patients. This comprehensive approach emphasizes versatility and the ability to perform in a front-of-office role as well as complete certain back-of-office tasks. As an overview, some of the skills emphasized in our program include:

  • EKGs
  • Injections
  • Phlebotomy
  • Routine examinations
  • Patient history obtaining and recording
  • Vital sign recording
  • Medical law and ethics
  • Insurance, billing, and managing medical records
  • Human relations and patient interaction
  • Professionalism

The detailed course module below expands on the specific skill set training and courses for students enrolled in the program.

MODULE IMODULE IIMODULE IIIMODULE IVMODULE VMODULE VI

Intro to Medical Assisting

MACP 113

Prepare for the role of a medical assistant as an allied health professional in the field of healthcare. Develop interpersonal and interprofessional skills to effectively communicate in diverse settings (based on the fundamentals of human behavior). Establish a strong foundation for the laws and ethics that affect medical assisting responsibilities. Prerequisite: None

Lecture45hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours45hr.
Credits3 

A&P w/ Medical Terminology

MACP 214

Learn the language of medical terminology alongside anatomy and physiology of the human body. Acquire the skills to construct, deconstruct and apply medical terms to accurately communicate in the field of healthcare and within medical specialties. Study the structures and functions of the human body (cells, tissues, organs, and systems) addressing diseases, disorders, and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Prerequisite: None

Lecture45hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours45hr.
Credits3 

MA General Practices

MACP 303

Examine the clinical environment of general practice settings and related clinical procedures. Develop skills to assist with general physical examinations considering safety and proper operation and care of medical instruments. Explore education strategies to instruct patients on diet, nutrition, and specimen collection procedures. Prerequisite: MACP 113, MACP 214

Lecture45hr.
Laboratory14hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours59hr.
Credits3.5 

MA General Clinical Skills

MACP 403

Acclimate to the clinical environment found in general practice settings through a skills-based learning experience. Participate in simulated laboratory sessions to master general clinical skills and procedures. Demonstrate mastery of these skills and procedures under the supervision of a clinical professional in a hands-on laboratory session. Prerequisite: MACP 113 & MACP 214, Prerequisite/Corequisite: MACP 303

Lecture15hr.
Laboratory60hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours75hr.
Credits3 

MA Front Office & Insurance Procedures

MACP 223

Explore administrative functions of the front office in general practice settings. Perform procedures to ensure the office operates smoothly and efficiently on a daily basis. Practice effective interpersonal skills to support patients as they navigate the medical office with a spotlight on professionalism and related laws and regulations. Prerequisite: MACP 113, MACP 214

Lecture45hr.
Laboratory15hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours60hr.
Credits3.5 

Pharmacology, Med Admin, & Phlebotomy

MACP 413

Analyze procedures related to pharmacology, medication administration, and phlebotomy. Study the principles of prescriptions, dosage calculations, and phlebotomy techniques including patient education. Perform phlebotomy and medication administration procedures in hands-on laboratory simulations. Prerequisite: MACP 113, MACP 214

Lecture30hr.
Laboratory30hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours60hr.
Credits3 

MA Advanced Practices

MACP 323

Strengthen concepts and fundamentals of the clinical environment in various settings pertaining to medical assisting procedures. Develop skills to assist in general and specialty settings considering safety and proper operation and care of medical instruments. Apply education techniques that address patient needs/concerns when performing general/specialty procedures. Prerequisite: MACP 113, MACP 214, MACP 303, MACP 403

Lecture45hr.
Laboratory15hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours60hr.
Credits3.5 

MA Advanced Clinical Skills

MACP 423

Acclimate to advanced clinical environments through a skills-based learning experience. Participate in simulated laboratory sessions to master advanced clinical skills and procedures. Demonstrate mastery of these skills and procedures under the supervision of a clinical professional in a hands-on laboratory session. Prerequisite: MACP 113, MACP 214, MACP 303, MACP 403, Prerequisite/Corequisite: MACP 323, MACP 413

Lecture15hr.
Laboratory60hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours75hr.
Credits3 

MA Capstone Practices

MACP 333

Build upon concepts and fundamentals of the clinical environment in various settings pertaining to medical assisting procedures. Develop skills to assist in advanced and emergency settings considering safety and proper operation and care of medical instruments. Execute high-level critical thinking applications in diverse patient scenarios utilizing real-life externship simulations. Prerequisite: MOD I, II, III, IV

Lecture45hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship30hr.
Total Hours75hr.
Credits3.5 

MA Capstone Clinical Skills

MACP 433

Acclimate to advanced and emergency clinical environments through a skills-based learning experience. Participate in simulated laboratory sessions to master advanced and emergency clinical skills and procedures. Demonstrate mastery of these skills and procedures under the supervision of a clinical professional in a hands-on laboratory session. Prerequisite: MOD I, II, III, IV

Lecture15hr.
Laboratory60hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours75hr.
Credits3 

Cert Prep for Medical Assisting

MACP 502

Prepare for certification, registration, and career opportunities in medical assisting. Apply general, administrative and clinical medical assisting knowledge to successfully pass your certification exam. Prerequisite: MOD I, II, III, IV, V

Lecture30hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours30hr.
Credits2 

MA Clinical Externship

MACP 503

Acquire professional hands-on experience in the field at an approved externship site under supervision of a site coordinator. Apply general, administrative and clinical medical assisting knowledge to succeed in your clinical externship. Prerequisite: MOD I, II, III, IV, V

Lecture5hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship150hr.
Total Hours155hr.
Credits3 

Medical Assisting Certification and Course Outcomes

Students who complete the 48-week Medical Assisting Certificate Program at CHCP have the option to take the Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant (NRCMA) examination, which demonstrates proficiencies in the core competencies of medical assisting and is included in the cost of tuition. 

In general, students who complete online medical assistant programs may also choose to further their education through MA certifications and specializations, leveraging their foundational knowledge in pursuit of additional roles. Consider what interests you most and where you think you will be happiest when selecting further career advancement. You can decide to advance in the clinical sector or you can advance in medical administration. Here are some paths to consider:

  • Registered Nurse (RN)
  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
  • Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
  • Podiatry
  • Cardiology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Chiropractic
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Pediatrics
  • Medical Coding and Billing
  • Medical & Health Services Manager
  • Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist

For information on educational options for aspiring medical assistants, explore our guide on how to choose the right medical assistant training program and what to keep in mind for your decision.

The Medical Assistant Role

As a medical assistant, you will engage in a dynamic role that blends patient interaction with essential administrative responsibilities. The Medical Assisting Certificate Program at CHCP aims to train you for this role, where you’ll bridge crucial connections among patients, healthcare providers, insurers, and medical institutions. 

Working as a medical assistant can mean employment in diverse settings, including but not limited to hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, and specialized surgical units. Because medical assistants may choose to pursue specialized fields like pediatrics, oncology, or gerontology, our online medical assistant training is designed to lay a groundwork of generalized skills and knowledge to build upon. This approach makes it possible for students to begin pursuing entry-level medical assistant roles after they complete the program or venture into additional educational opportunities.

Would you like more information on enrolling?

If so, simply fill out the form. Someone will be in contact soon to provide you with more information on how you can take the first step toward your new career.

Start Your Application

How to Become a Medical Assistant Online | Admission Criteria

Interested in starting your journey? To join the online Medical Assisting Certificate Program at CHCP, simply complete our application form by providing basic information such as your program of interest, your preferred location, and how we can contact you. Following your application, a CHCP advisor will reach out to guide you through the completion of your application and discuss the next steps. Before applying, please ensure you meet the following admission prerequisites:

  • A high school diploma or GED
  • A Scholastic Level Exam score of at least 13 (for our online program)
  • The ability to read and write in English

Our team is dedicated to supporting you at every stage, offering everything from personalized support to lifelong career services and job placement assistance. Have questions? Contact an admissions advisor today.

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Embarking on your journey within the allied healthcare sector marks the beginning of an exciting exploration into numerous professional avenues. As an ABHES Accredited Allied Healthcare College, our dedication lies in offering guidance and support to students navigating their educational pathways. We invite you to connect with an admissions advisor to uncover more about our certificate programs, stackable degrees, and tuition resources. For more information, our team is here to assist you in delving into the diverse range of programs at CHCP, each offering unique insights and learning experiences.

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