The Right Skills

The Medical Assistant diploma program provides students with the skills required to successfully assist physicians and medical group practices with a number of clinical tasks including:

• Administering medications
• Vital sign measurement
• Assisting with surgical procedures
• Performing electrocardiographs
• Phlebotomy
• Assisting with physical examinations
• Patient education
• Basic medical office procedures

Degree Eligibility

Graduates of the Medical Assistant diploma are eligible to pursue their Associates Degree in the ACT College Allied Health Technology Degree Program.

Consider that in as little as 7 months, you could earn an Associates Degree in addition to your Medical Assisting Diploma.

An Associates Degree from ACT College may be the edge you need to propel your career forward and increase your earning potential!

Medical Assisting Program Accreditations & Approvals

• Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
• Certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)

Extensive Hands-On Clinical Experience

Upon completion of all on campus coursework, students will be required to complete a 180 hour clinical externship at one of the college's clinical education sites.

These sites may be hospitals, private practices, clinics, or other healthcare delivery service providers.

Get It Fast: The Schedule

The Medical Assisting diploma program is available in both day and evening sessions.

Day Sessions: 40 Weeks including 180 hours of hands-on clinical experience

Evening Sessions: 58 Weeks including 180 hours of hands-on clinical experience

Are You Qualified?

• No High School Diploma or GED Required - Learn More
• Students under 18 years of age must have the signature of a parent or guardian
• Students must achieve a passing score on the admissions evaluation

Get Your Credentials

Graduates with a GED or High School Diploma will be eligible for the following certifications:

• RMA - Registered Medical Assistant Exam (American Medical Technologists)
• CMA - Certified Medical Assistant Exam (American Association of Medical Assistants)
• RPT - Registered Phlebotomy Technician (International Academy of Phlebotomy Sciences or the American Medical Technologists)

Get Started In A Growth Industry

According to statistics from the US Department of Labor, careers in medical assisting fall into these categories:

• 60% -- Physicians' offices
• 15% -- Hospitals (including inpatient and outpatient facilities)
• 25% -- Nursing homes, offices of other health practitioners, and other health care facilities

Industry Statistics

• The US Department of Labor predicts employment of medical assistants will grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2010. They expect the health services industry to expand because of technological advances and the growing and aging population. This is one of the fastest growing occupations.
• Employment growth will be driven by the increase in the number of group practices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities that need support personnel, particularly the flexible medical assistant who can handle both administrative and clinical duties. Medical assistants primarily work in outpatient settings, where much faster than average growth is expected.