Offered in a blended format across our Texas campuses, the program provides a clear and guided opportunity to develop essential clinical and administrative competencies aligned with entry-level roles in today’s healthcare settings.
You’ll have the chance to learn from instructors with real-world experience while working toward skills such as taking vitals, performing EKGs and injections, assisting with exams, managing patient records, and processing insurance claims. With a combination of classroom learning, lab sessions, and a supervised externship, the program is designed to help you gain practical experience that supports your career goals in care-focused environments.
Curious about the curriculum? Explore the course modules below.
Our Medical Assistant Certificate Program takes a holistic approach, focusing on clinical and administrative skills while prioritizing professional communication with co-workers, patients, and medical personnel. Explore the course modules below for details on specific skills, medical assistant classes, and program outcomes.
Students will become familiar with basic study and learning skills to include learning styles, goal setting, memorization techniques, reading comprehension, note taking, test taking, critical thinking, effective communication diversity, and technology. Prerequisite: None
| Lecture | 8 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 8 | hr. |
| Credits | 0.5 |
Students will learn about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This course will identify rights for individuals and the processes that health care providers must implement to support individual rights. Students must demonstrate knowledge of the rules for the use and disclosure of information. Students will learn about transmission of disease, hand washing techniques and gloving. This course will ensure that students are aware of biohazards and airborne pathogens, including infection control procedures and laboratory safety. Students must demonstrate infection control procedures and laboratory safety. Prerequisite: None
| Lecture | 10 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 10 | hr. |
| Credits | 0.5 |
Students will learn and Identify basic structures, functions and dysfunctions of the body, as well as medical terminology, abbreviations and symbols that are necessary tools for building a medical vocabulary. This course covers general treatment of the sensory, skeletal and muscular, nervous, endocrine, digestive, respiratory, Circulatory, Urinary and reproductive, and integumentary systems. Prerequisite: None
| Lecture | 48 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 48 | hr. |
| Credits | 3 |
Students will learn the specific terminology and learn and identify basic structures, functions, and dysfunctions of the body as they pertain to the Nervous System and Special Senses. Prerequisite: Module I
| Lecture | 24 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 24 | hr. |
| Credits | 1.5 |
Students learn how to deal with difficult patients, abnormal behavior and terminal illness, and specific needs of patients and emotional family crisis as well as interaction with employers/co-workers. Prerequisite: Module I
| Lecture | 48 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 48 | hr. |
| Credits | 3 |
Students will learn skills with emphasis on patient assessments, physical examination, assist with eye and ear care and treatments as directed by physician: Includes vital signs, specimen collection and documentation of patient information, medical asepsis, office clinical procedures, and other treatments as appropriate for ambulatory settings. Student will complete skills competencies. Prerequisite: Module I
| Lecture | 8 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 16 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 24 | hr. |
| Credits | 1 |
Students will learn manual and computerized records management, how to take patient histories, filing, appointments and scheduling, basic bookkeeping, billing/collections, banking/payroll, telephone techniques, safety of the medical office and professional conduct. Prerequisite: Module I
| Lecture | 48 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 48 | hr. |
| Credits | 3 |
This course introduces students to the subject of medical health records. Students consider inpatient and outpatient scenarios and the differences between paper and electronic files. The course explores the advantages and risks of electronic medical records with a focus on HIPAA compliance. Prerequisite: Module I
| Lecture | 48 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 48 | hr. |
| Credits | 3 |
Students will learn the specific terminology and learn and identify basic structures, functions and dysfunctions of the body as they pertain to the Muscular, Skeletal and Digestive systems. Research Assignment 2 – Career Services Prep. Prerequisite: Module I
| Lecture | 24 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 24 | hr. |
| Credits | 1.5 |
This course introduces sources and forms of drugs, drug classifications, drug effects on the body systems, and basic concept of administration and calculation of dosages. Students will also learn the basic principles of IV therapy; review vital signs; patient education; Concepts of physical therapy, pediatric and geriatric care and medical office safety are discussed and performed. Students will complete skills competencies. Prerequisite: Module I
| Lecture | 20 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 28 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 48 | hr. |
| Credits | 1.5 |
The students will learn the legal relationships of physicians and patients, contractual agreements, professional liability, malpractice, medical practice acts, informed consent, and bioethical issues. Emphasis is placed on legal terms, professional attitudes, and the principles and basic concepts of ethics and laws involved in providing medical services. Prerequisite: Module I
| Lecture | 24 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 24 | hr. |
| Credits | 1.5 |
Students will learn the specific terminology and learn and identify basic structures, functions and dysfunctions of the body as they pertain to the Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, Circulatory, and Respiratory systems. Research Assignment 3 – Career Services Prep. Prerequisite: Module I
| Lecture | 32 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 32 | hr. |
| Credits | 2 |
This course introduces phlebotomy; clinical laboratory procedures; EKG’s; CPR Certification; Pulmonary Function Testing. Students will review vital signs, aseptic technique, and charting, patient education and medication administration. Students will identify parts of the microscope, as well as perform hematology, microbiology and chemistry procedures. Students differentiate various laboratory departments and personnel, complete laboratory requisitions and practice laboratory safety. Students as assisting with minor surgeries, medical emergencies and emergency readiness. Students will complete skills competencies. Prerequisite: Module I
| Lecture | 28 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 36 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 64 | hr. |
| Credits | 2.5 |
Students will learn the specific terminology and learn and identify basic structures, functions and dysfunctions of the body as they pertain to the Integumentary and Endocrine systems. Research Assignment 4 – Career Services Prep. Prerequisite: Module I
| Lecture | 32 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 32 | hr. |
| Credits | 2 |
This course reviews the history of and current state of the electronic health record, trends, healthcare information applications such as clinical information systems, administrative information systems, and management support systems. Students will explore the transition from a paper based health record to an electronic health record and the associated issues. Prerequisite: Module I
| Lecture | 28 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 36 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 64 | hr. |
| Credits | 2.5 |
Students will learn the specific terminology and learn and identify basic structures, functions and dysfunctions of the body as they pertain to the Urinary and Reproductive systems. Research Assignment 5 – Career Services Prep. Prerequisite: Module I
| Lecture | 32 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 32 | hr. |
| Credits | 2 |
Students will learn to perform Urinalysis (physical/chemical/microscopic); students will identify and assist with life span specialties and specialty exams, students will also review proper charting. Students will complete skills competencies. Prerequisite: Module I
| Lecture | 12 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 24 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 36 | hr. |
| Credits | 1 |
Medical office procedures including appointment scheduling, medical records creation and maintenance, interpersonal communications, bookkeeping tasks, coding, billing, collecting, third party reimbursement, credit arrangements, and computer use in the medical office. Prerequisite: Module I
| Lecture | 8 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 20 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 28 | hr. |
| Credits | 1 |
This course will teach the student about professionalism, including work-place behaviors that result in positive business relationships. Students will learn goal-setting, stress-management, time-management, professional dress, etiquette, diversity in the work place relationships, excellent customer service, communication at work, conflict management, job search skills, building resumes, and interview techniques. Prerequisite: Modules I-VII
| Lecture | 30 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 18 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 48 | hr. |
| Credits | 2.5 |
Certification Prep allows the student to review for a state or national registry. This is done by using review material and the use of practice exam that covers all areas of the exam. Student will complete exam application and take certification exam. Prerequisite: Modules I-VII
| Lecture | 15 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 15 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 30 | hr. |
| Credits | 1.5 |
Students will be able to apply in a practical setting the professional skills learned in the classroom, as a Medical Assistant. Prerequisite: Modules I-VII
| Lecture | 0 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 180 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 180 | hr. |
| Credits | 4 |
What does the CHCP on-campus experience look like? It’s structured to provide consistent support, meaningful practice, and opportunities to apply what you learn in clinical settings.
You’ll attend scheduled classes and lab sessions at one of CHCP’s campuses in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Garland, Houston (Med Center, Northwest, Southwest), McAllen, or San Antonio (North and South). On campus, you’ll engage in interactive learning led by experienced instructors, covering topics like anatomy and physiology, medical law and ethics, patient care procedures, and medical office administration. In the lab, you’ll have the chance to practice skills such as phlebotomy, injections, EKGs, and taking vital signs in a supportive, real-world setting.
As you near completion of your coursework, you’ll participate in a 180-hour supervised externship at a local healthcare facility. This experience offers a chance to put your knowledge into practice in an active medical environment, where you can observe real patient care and understand the flow of clinical settings.
In addition to on-campus instruction, some elements of the curriculum are delivered online. This hybrid format enables you to complete certain assignments and activities remotely. Each course builds toward the next, reinforcing key concepts as you progress.
The program includes a certification prep module to help you prepare to sit for the Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant (NRCMA) exam through the National Association of Health Professionals (NAHP). Exam costs are included in your tuition.
Classes are available during daytime or evening hours to support different schedules. Whether you’re starting your education journey or making a career change, CHCP offers a structured, supportive format to help keep you moving forward.
The Medical Assistant Certificate Program is offered at every CHCP campus, strategically located near medical facilities in major Texas metropolitan areas. Through blended learning options, students can gain hands-on clinical training from healthcare professionals while reducing their commute time to and from campus.
Choosing a medical assistant program is a personal and professional decision, and finding the right fit can set the tone for your future. Whether you're exploring program structure, credit hours, or what to expect in the classroom, here’s a closer look at how CHCP’s On-Campus Medical Assistant Certificate Program is designed to support your learning from enrollment through externship.
The program is designed to be completed in approximately 36 weeks and includes 900 total clock hours of training. Students move through a carefully sequenced curriculum that combines lecture, lab, and real-world experience. The program awards 41.0 semester credits and includes:
The program is delivered in a blended format, combining in-person classes with structured academic support. You can enroll at the following CHCP campus locations: Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Garland, Houston Med Center, Houston Northwest, Houston Southwest, McAllen, North San Antonio, and South San Antonio.
To apply for CHCP’s On-Campus Medical Assistant Certificate Program, prospective students must:
CHCP is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), a nationally recognized accrediting agency focused exclusively on health education.
If you're considering financial aid , CHCP offers multiple funding options for those who qualify, including federal aid, grants, scholarships, and more. Our financial aid advisors are here to guide you through the process and help you explore your options.
Making a smart financial plan is just as important as choosing the right program, and we’re here to help you do both. CHCP provides resources to help you understand what to expect, including a Net Price Calculator that gives you a personalized estimate based on your financial situation.
Tuition information for the Medical Assistant Certificate Program is published in our official Catalog and Campus Addenda. Because tuition and fees can vary by location, we recommend reviewing the details specific to your chosen CHCP campus.
You’ve got the drive to make a difference. From guided enrollment to hands-on training, CHCP is here to help you take your next step—one goal, one skill, one milestone at a time.
"I wanted a solid career to be able to better take care of my son’s health and decided to join CHCP’s Medical Assistant Certificate Program. My favorite part of the program was when we got to practice skills on each other and the hands-on labs. It was all generally fun, and the people and teachers were awesome. I learned what a normal blood pressure is supposed to be and how to draw blood. For anyone looking into healthcare or school, my advice to you is - just do it! The faster you hop on and do it the faster you will have that education and enter the field."
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