Medical Assistant Program
Program Prerequisites:
1. Official High School transcript or US Equivalent
2. Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers Certification - AHA (BLS/CPR Class)
3. Physical, Immunizations, and 10-Panel Urine Drug Test (click for Physical form)
4 Criminal Background Report (click for Background Check instructions)
5. Proof of Health Insurance
6. Modules I - IV are prerequisites for Clinical Practicum.
(Individuals should possess strong communication, computer, and interpersonal skills.)
Program Information:
September– May (720 hours)
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:30am – 3:00pm
The comprehensive curriculum covers both administrative and clinical aspects of medical assisting. Focuses on cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning (knowledge, skills, and attitudes). Aligns with national core curriculum standards and guidelines and includes specific modules to allow for flexible learning options.
Administrative Skills:
Scheduling and patient reception.
Medical record management.
Secretarial and transcription skills.
Communication and interpersonal skills.
Medical office administration.
Clinical Skills:
Asepsis and infection control.
Vital signs and patient assessment.
Assisting with examinations and procedures.
Specimen collection and processing.
Phlebotomy (blood drawing).
Electrocardiography (ECG).
Medication administration (as delegated).
Clinical Practicum:
Provides valuable hands-on experience in a real-world medical setting.
Allows students to apply classroom learning and develop practical skills.
The Medical Assisting course at BCIT prepares students for national certification examinations through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Offers the opportunity to earn individual certifications in specific areas (Administrative Medical Assistant, ECG Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, and Clinical Medical Assistant).
Benefits of this Program:
Flexibility: Allows students to register for individual modules based on their learning goals and career aspirations.
Comprehensive Training: Provides a strong foundation in both administrative and clinical aspects of medical assisting.
Career Opportunities: Graduates will be well-prepared for entry-level positions in various healthcare settings.
Certification Opportunities: Provides the opportunity to earn multiple certifications, enhancing career prospects and earning potential.
If you are interested in applying for Financial Aid to help with the program cost, use BCIT’s school code 042856 when applying for benefits online at studentaid.gov. Any remaining balance will be due based on our Payment Plan due dates.
Program Description:
The Medical Assistant program is a two-semester program that provides cognitive, psychomotor and affective competency training for student to develop the knowledge, skill sets, and professional behaviors of a multi-skilled allied health professional. The program is based on core curriculum standards and guidelines that will prepare the student to sit for the national certification examination for the medical assistant. The program provides training in both the administrative and clinical roles of the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), and comprises specific modules that allow the student to build upon gained knowledge; and to demonstrate skills competencies during lab and in the supervised clinical setting. CMA’s work primarily in ambulatory healthcare settings, including medical offices, and clinics, under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. Administrative duties include: scheduling and receiving patients, preparing and maintaining medical records, performing basic secretarial skills and medical transcription, handling telephone calls and writing correspondence, serving as a liaison between the physician and other individuals, and managing practice finances. Clinical duties include: asepsis and infection control, taking patient histories and vital signs, performing first aid and CPR, preparing patients for clinical procedures, assisting the physician with examinations and treatments, collecting and processing specimens, performing selected diagnostic tests, preparing and administering medications, and other delegated assignments directed by the licensed healthcare provider. Students may register for individual modules, or register for all four modules. Upon completion of all modules (Administrative Medical Assistant, Electrocardiography (ECG) Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, and Clinical Medical Assistant with Clinical Practicum), the student will hold individual certifications through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Program cost does not include Textbooks or Maroon Scrub and Red BCIT Adult Education T-Shirt Uniform (see individual course module). Included in the course fee is the cost for NHA Certification Exam (one attempt for each course - Electrocardiography Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, Medical Administrative Assistant and Clinical Medical Assistant w/Clinical Practicum.
Program Modules:
Clinical Medical Assistant w/Clinical Practicum - 352 hours (192 hours classroom/160 lab clinical)
Medical Administrative Assistant - 150 hours
Electrocardiography (ECG) Technician - 58 hours (Refer to ECG Technician Course Syllabus)
Phlebotomy Technician - 160 hours (Refer to Phlebotomy Technician Course Syllabus)
Clinical hours will vary based upon clinical facility availability.
Note: The Clinical Practicum is completed at the end of the program.
Additional Information: Course cost does include fees for the NHA certification, but not textbooks or Solid Maroon Scrub uniforms with red BCIT Adult Education shirt and white shoes. Contact the Adult Education Office at least 2 weeks prior to course start date to order your textbooks.
