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A woman medical assistant with a nurse and doctor at a bedside in the background

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Medical Assistant?

A Medical Assistant is a very versatile and unique practitioner who is part of the healthcare team. Functions expand from front office duties to clinical performance and procedure under the supervision of a licensed physician.

You will perform venipuncture, injections, X-rays, EKGs, catheterization and specialty procedures, just to name a few.

You could be responsible for simple reception to managing the office. Because we learn many different procedures and are unique, the market for our profession stays in demand. We primarily work in physicians' offices, outpatient clinics, outpatient surgical centers, and specialty departments within a large clinic setting.

What type of program is the Medical Assistant Specialist Program?

The program is a College Credit Certificate (CCC) with an additional A.S. degree option once you have completed the CCC.

How many and how often are students admitted to the program?

Students are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis with the understanding that all requirements set forth in the application process and entrance criteria have been met.

A selection committee is not used to accept students. We do not admit students based on points.

Students can begin the program in Fall or Spring semester. The required prerequisite support courses can be started any semester in preparation for applying to the program.

Is an interview required?
Although an interview is not required, the program manager recommends meeting with a health science advisor to help with scheduling and the entrance process. 
How and when will I know I can start the Practicum course?
You make an appointment with the program manager eight weeks before you will complete your last course. Registration into the MEA 1808 Medical Assistant Practicum Experience course requires instructor signature.
How long will it take me to complete this program's course sequence?

The College Credit Certificate Medical Assistant Program is designed to take 12 months to complete. Core courses must be taken in the sequence provided for ultimate success.

Should a student need to repeat any courses, please note the program does not accept core courses over two years old, or support courses over ten years old (by program start). 

What about previous college courses transferring to this program?

The Registrar's Office will evaluate official transcripts from other colleges and universities. Support courses must have been taken within 10 years and clinical courses within 2 years. 

Do I wear a uniform at all times?

Yes, it is mandatory for all Medical Assistant students to wear the designated uniform for all core courses. Please refer to the Accepted Students Info page for more specific uniform information.

Once you start wearing your uniform, your hair should be off your shoulder, no excessive make-up, and no long nails or fingernail polish.

Your white duty oxford nursing shoes should be white and clean at all times.

Your uniform should be clean and wrinkle free at all times. We want to act and look like the professionals we are!

What are my chances of getting a job when I graduate?

The demand for Medical Assistants is greater than ever. Most students are offered positions through the practicum experience and are able to start employment even before they graduate.

Starting salaries vary depending on the type of facility you choose.

The job placement rate for students who complete our program is 96%.  

How soon can I start the A.S. degree program after completing the CCC?

Many students advance to the Medical Assisting Advanced A.S. degree, right away after completing the certificate program courses.

It is possible to complete the required A.S. degree general education courses before entering the Medical Assistant Specialty CCC program, while completing the certificate's support course prerequisites. This will allow you to achieve your A.S. degree goal much faster.

Work with the health science advisor if your plan is to move on from the CCC to the A.S. degree.

How can I decide if Medical Assisting is the right choice for me?

If you like a regular work week, paid holidays, paid vacation, pension and profit sharing, and other perks, this is the setting you will find in your typical physician's office.

If you enjoy a challenging and rewarding position working with people and being able to perform as a professional with leadership skills then it's for you. You are never bored with the same routine because of the versatility of duties you are allowed to perform.

What about Certification?

This is probably one of the most important aspects of being a Medical Assistant. This shows your competence, confidence, knowledge and ability to perform on a professional level. Once you are nationally certified, there is no need to repeat the test should you move out of state. Once you are certified, you must receive 60 continuing education units (CEU's) in order to keep your certification status current. Our program helps prepare you for the National Examination.

What about professional support?

You are immediately introduced to your professional affiliation, the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

You will be mentored into the Brevard County Chapter of Medical Assistants as a member and taught what we stand for at the local, state, and national levels.

By getting to know your professional associates you have access to information and possible employment positions as well as stay informed on the latest topics.

You are able to obtain free Continuing Education Units CEUs) through your local chapter and share professional camaraderie.