Making the decision to become a medical assistant means putting your passion for helping others at the forefront of your career. However, in an educational landscape brimming with MA certificate and degree options, it can take time to understand which option will help you build the right foundation for your career aspirations.
At CHCP, we believe empowering students to make informed decisions about their education and careers starts with transparency. We want you to feel confident and prepared, every step of the way. To provide clarity on everything our Medical Assistant Certificate Program offers and help you decide if our program is the right fit, we’re exploring the curriculum, length, pricing, and key insights from CHCP’s MA Program Director in Austin, Bethany Shirley, in our comprehensive guide below.
Need more information about medical assisting? Get to know the role’s ins and outs in our comprehensive medical assisting career guide or explore our guide to choosing the right allied healthcare career for even more options.
In This Article:
CHCP’s Medical Assistant Certificate Program in Texas | Overview
CHCP’s Medical Assistant Certificate Program is designed to lay the groundwork for students to pursue successful careers as medical professionals and offers a fantastic starting point to explore advancing a career in healthcare down the line. The convenient blend of online and in-person training allows students to balance their studies with their busy lives. During the program, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in both clinical and administrative skills for a holistic education that prepares them to work in a variety of healthcare settings.
The program is offered online and at campuses throughout Texas, including locations in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and McAllen, plus three locations in Houston and two in San Antonio.
If you're compassionate, organized, and eager to make a difference in patients' lives, a Medical Assistant Certificate program could be the perfect fit for you. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a rewarding career that combines hands-on patient care with administrative responsibilities.
Ready to take the next step? Explore our guide to Choosing the Right MA Training Program to learn more about finding the perfect program for your needs.
Medical Assistant Training at CHCP - What the Program Covers
According to Bethany Shirley, CHCP’s MA Program Director in Austin, TX, “One of the beautiful things that separates us from some of the other schools in the area is the continuity of the education provided. We offer ongoing learning as opposed to learning in separate modules. At other schools, you may not see that skill again for months. While the program length is similar to other programs, we ensure continuity in the skill training.”
Shirley highlights that CHCP instructors are experienced healthcare professionals who have worked in the field, allowing them to draw on real-world expertise to guide their teaching. Their passion for teaching and passing these skills to students also set the program apart from other schools.
Foundational Medical Assisting Skills
General MA Skills
- Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology: You'll have the opportunity to learn the basics of medical language and gain an understanding of how the human body works. This includes learning about different body systems, their functions, and common medical conditions.
- Medical Law & Ethics, HIPAA & OSHA: You'll have the chance to develop a solid understanding of the legal and ethical aspects of healthcare, such as patient confidentiality (HIPAA) and workplace safety (OSHA).
- Infection Control: Your instructors will discuss strategies to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings, which are essential for the safety of both patients and staff.
Administrative Skills for the Front Office
- Medical Office Procedures & Management: You'll have the opportunity to master the administrative tasks that keep a medical office running smoothly, such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and handling insurance claims.
- Medical Insurance Processing: You'll explore the complexities of medical billing and coding, with the goal of ensuring accurate and timely reimbursement for healthcare services.
- Electronic Health Records (EHR): You'll be instructed in using electronic health record systems, a crucial tool for managing patient information in today's digital age.
Clinical Skills for Patient Care
- Taking Vital Signs & Assisting with Exams: You'll have the opportunity to learn how to accurately measure vital signs (like blood pressure and temperature) and gain experience assisting physicians during patient examinations.
- EKGs, Injections & Phlebotomy: You'll have hands-on opportunities to practice essential clinical procedures, including performing electrocardiograms (EKGs), administering injections, and drawing blood.
- Medication Administration & Patient Care: You'll be introduced to practices for safely administering medications and providing basic patient care, including wound care and dressing changes.
Professional Development
- Customer Service & Professionalism: You'll have the opportunity to develop the communication and interpersonal skills needed to provide excellent patient care and build positive relationships with colleagues.
- Career Preparation: You'll receive guidance on resume writing, interview techniques, and other essential job search skills to help you launch your medical assisting career.
Setting the Stage for Specialization
The MA program at CHCP also takes students beyond the basic medical assisting skills. It covers a range of medical assisting knowledge, including information and skills related to more niche roles. That way, if students wish to specialize later in their careers, they will have the foundation for it.
“If they wish to look into going into cardiovascular assisting, for example,” says Shirley, “they are trained on 12 lead EKGs. If they're wanting to go into dermatology and work in pre-surgery settings, they can set up sterile fields and do autoclaving and assist with wound repairs. They can do all Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments waived testing, like urinalysis screenings, such as drug testing and HCG testing, strep testing, and the list goes on and on with that.”
Shirley mentions other areas that students can transition into, such as caring for elderly patients by learning how to help others with assisted walking devices—a skill that can translate into working with disabled or injured patients.
Tuition, Application, Program Length, & More. Answers to Common Questions.
For more insights and essential information about the Medical Assistant Certificate Program at CHCP, you can browse the topics below or fill out an application form to get in touch with an advisor.
CHCP’s Medical Assistant Program Requirements & Application Process
Taking the first step toward a rewarding career as a medical assistant is easy at CHCP. To be considered for the program, you'll need to meet a few basic admission requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Scholastic Level Exam score of at least 10 (score of 13 for the online program)
- The ability to read and write in English
Ready to apply? The process is simple:
- Connect with an Admissions Advisor: They'll guide you through the application and answer any questions you have.
- Complete the Application: Provide your personal information, educational background, and any relevant work experience.
- Schedule Your Interview: Meet with an admissions representative to discuss your aspirations and suitability for the program.
- Await Your Acceptance Letter: If you are accepted, you'll receive an official welcome to the CHCP community.
Have questions about the prerequisites or application process? Our dedicated academic advisors are here to help! Don't hesitate to reach out and get the support you need.
How Long Does a Medical Assistant Program Take at CHCP?
The Medical Assistant Certificate Program at CHCP is designed to be completed in 36 weeks. This time frame is structured to support efficient skill and knowledge development while accommodating your busy schedule. The program utilizes a blended learning approach, combining online coursework with hands-on labs and a clinical externship, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
While the program is designed to be completed in 36 weeks, it's important to keep in mind that individual progress and unforeseen circumstances may lead to slight variations in the actual completion time.
Does the Program Prepare Me for Certification as a Medical Assistant?
Of course, once you complete your medical assistant studies, the next step is to prepare for a professional certification exam. CHCP offers a prep course that helps students prepare for their medical assistant certification exam.
The prep course offers a boot camp-style approach to studying and is designed to focus on testing techniques. Students receive a manual from the certifying body and take practice tests. They then have a chance to access the tests and refresh where needed.
With regard to the cost of the exam, Shirley explains, “CHCP pays the first fee. If the students have to retake it, it's a $20 fee.”
Students can retake the test up to two times. If they need additional attempts, they would be required to wait 90 days from the last test, and students would need to pay a first-time rate for the exam in full.
Does the Program Have a Medical Assistant Externship?
CHCP partners with different healthcare providers and organizations to help medical assistant students practice their skills in a real-world setting during the externship.
Students are also allowed to find their own externship site. CHCP will support that choice, but it will be necessary to evaluate the site to ensure that it meets the externship program requirements. It is also not uncommon for students to seek employment at the place they complete their externships.
What is the Cost of Medical Assistant Training at CHCP?
Investing in your future as a medical assistant is an investment in yourself. While the cost of an MA program can vary based on the specific program, financial aid, and scholarships, CHCP's Medical Assistant Certificate Program starts at around $17,400. This tuition amount does not include any of the grants and financial aid many students apply for. To find out how much students similar to you paid to attend CHCP, try our Net Price Calculator. For the most accurate information, we recommend getting in touch with financial aid.
Why Choose CHCP—What Sets CHCP’s Medical Assistant Certificate Program Apart from the Rest?
Curious about the CHCP difference? The Medical Assisting Program at CHCP offers many benefits for students looking to start or expand their careers, such as:
History of Excellence
The College of Health Care Professions (CHCP) has been a cornerstone of allied healthcare education in Texas for over 35 years. Our legacy is built on a commitment to providing quality, career-focused programs that empower students to make a real difference in the lives of others. With a focus on hands-on learning and personalized support, we've helped thousands of graduates launch successful careers in healthcare. We understand the unique needs of busy adults, and our flexible programs are designed to fit seamlessly into your life, so you can pursue your dreams without putting your life on hold.
Essential Hands-On Learning
When it comes to medical training, hands-on programs offer the most comprehensive learning experience. The CHCP MA program provides a blended option with plenty of hands-on training.
“We teach the proper documentation techniques,” says Shirley regarding hands-on training. “Recording patient intake and history and learning how to obtain accurate vital signs with manual blood pressure is really important and expands the students' training experience.”
Job Placement Assistance
CHCP Career Services is an essential part of the student experience, facilitating the transition from student to healthcare professional. Our Career Service Advisors collaborate with students to prepare them for entering the healthcare field. We provide lifelong support for CHCP students and graduates, including access to our extensive employer network, resume writing assistance, and interview preparation.
Continuing Education Opportunities
Some may consider a role as a medical assistant a stepping-stone in their healthcare career, and it can be a good starting point for students. Medical assistant graduates can advance their education at CHCP and enroll in Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree programs, such as the Health and Medical Administrative Services AAS completion program (HMAS) and/or the Health Care Management AAS program. Both are delivered fully online, so enrollees can work and continue their education at CHCP.
Accelerate Program
Initially, students at CHCP are encouraged to focus on the basics of medical assisting and pass the certification exam. Then if they want to accelerate their careers, they can go on to get an associate or bachelor’s degree to build on and specialize their skills.
Through the Accelerate Program, credits are stackable within CHCP, meaning that every credit you earn at CHCP can be applied toward an advanced CHCP degree. The Associate of Applied Science degree programs offered include Coding and Revenue Cycle Management, Health and Medical Administrative Services, and Health Care Management.
After graduating from the medical assistant program and earning your professional credential, you can earn a degree in as little as eight months. Classes are flexible to allow you to work as a medical assistant while you complete the program.
Get Started with CHCP’s Medical Assistant Certificate Program - Apply Today
Ready to turn your passion for healthcare into a fulfilling career? Apply today and take the first step toward your future as a medical assistant.
