Health Science Training
Medical Assistant Diploma Program
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Unlock Your Potential with Centura College’s Medical Assistant Diploma Program
Are you ready to open the doors to a rewarding career in healthcare? Centura College’s Medical Assistant diploma program equips you with the skills and knowledge you need to excel in healthcare settings and kickstart a rewarding career in the medical support field.
Whether you’re interested in the clinical side of the business for a more direct hands-on approach with patients or the office management side where management, administration, and technological skills are needed, this program prepares you for both. Students learn clinical and administrative tasks essential for excelling in Medical Assistant roles across multiple healthcare settings including physician offices, hospitals, urgent care centers, and laboratories.
- Diploma
- Program length: 12 months
- Day courses: between 8:30am – 4:30pm
- Night courses: between 4:30pm – 11:30pm
Become a medical assistant
Launching Your Medical Support Career
In the Medical Assistant diploma program, courses cover a wide range of subjects from mastering clinical procedures, medical laboratory tasks, and injections to effectively assisting physicians during examinations. Students develop a solid foundation in crucial areas like medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, communication, and professionalism. The program concludes with a Capstone course designed to guide and prepare them towards success in industry certification exams. By completing the program requirements, students earn a Medical Assistant diploma, empowering them to pursue certification and secure employment in the healthcare field.
Career Opportunities for Medical Assistants
This role of a Medical Assistant serves as a crucial link between medical professionals and patients, allowing you the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. If you’re drawn to a profession that blends both administrative and clinical responsibilities in the healthcare field, becoming a Medical Assistant might be the perfect fit for you.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Medical Assistant field is projected to grow 14% from 2022 to 2032. So, if you’re looking for a fulfilling and well-rounded work experience, this could be for you.
Program Duration and Content
Anatomy and Physiology
Medical Assistant Role
Medical Office Procedures
Phlebotomy and Laboratory Procedures
Anatomy and Physiology
- Integumentary system
- Muscular system
- Lymphatic system
- Neurological system
- And more
Medical Assistant Role
- Professional behavior and communication
- Legal and ethical issues in the medical practice
- Safety and infection control practices
- And more
Medical Office Procedures
- Effective telephone communication techniques
- Interpersonal relationships with clients
- Electronic health records (EHR) implementation
- And more
Phlebotomy and Laboratory Procedures
- Quality Control and Quality Assurance
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Regulations
- Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Regulations
- And more
Go Further with Limited Scope Radiologic Technology
Another option is the opportunity to complete the Medical Assistant with Limited Scope Radiologic Technology diploma program. This specialized training is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the medical field to find employment in physician offices, hospitals, urgent care centers, and more. The combined curriculum encompasses clinical skills, billing and office coursework, and X-ray techniques.
Program Duration and Content
Safety and Radiation Protection
Radiologic Procedures
ARRT Exam Prep
Safety and Radiation Protection
- Shielding, exposure restriction, and filtration
- Image receptors, protective devices
- Biological aspects of radiation
- And more
Radiologic Procedures
- Radiation protection
- Anatomy
- Radiographic positions
- And more
ARRT Exam Prep
- Production and control of X-ray exposure
- Essential steps to produce quality radiographs of all body structures
- Behaviors, knowledge, and skills needed for safe patient care
- And more
Financial Aid Could Be Your Ticket to Education
We understand that money can be a big concern when it comes to getting an education, but we’re here to help. We offer financial assistance programs for eligible students.
Before you take that next step of enrolling, we strongly recommend first scheduling a meeting with one of our Financial Aid Advisors. They will guide you through all the different financial aid options available. Plus, they’ll lend a hand in filling out your applications.
Navigate Your Path to Success with Career Support
We want to see you exceed after you graduate. Our Career Services Department is here to lend a hand to current students and graduates in need of job placement support. The department provides services like resume writing, polishing up your interviewing skills, and assisting you through your job searching.
Voices of Centura
Success Stories
“It’s a joy to see them go from not having any medical skills to making sure they are ready…to not only just do well, but dominate.”
– Lori Bedford, Medical Assistant Coordinator
“The teachers were there to help me and got me the help I needed to succeed”
– Cindy Latherow, Centura College Graduate
“They provide you skills for life, not just the profession you’re going into.”
– Joy Voorhees, Centura College Graduate
Explore Centura Newport News, Norfolk and Chesapeake Campuses
The Medical Assistant program and Medical Assistant with Limited Scope Radiologic Technology program are both offered at our campuses in Newport News, Norfolk and Chesapeake, Virginia. Centura College has a long history of career training since 1969, committed to providing students with educational tools and support. No matter which campus you choose to complete your studies at, all of our campuses offer various amenities, including Wi-Fi, computer labs, lecture halls, and specialized labs for hands-on training.
Enroll with Ease
Starting your journey at Centura College is simple.
*Applicants must meet admission requirements. Acceptance into the program is not guaranteed.
Program Requirements
Students enrolling in the Medical Assisting program need to meet the following requirements:
- Be 18 or older or have an approved cosigner if under 18
- Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Have a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Become a Medical Assistant?
You can become a medical assistant by completing a program like Centura College’s Medical Assistant Diploma program. Students learn clinical and administrative skills in lab settings that are similar to what they will see on the job. After graduation, you’ll be ready to work in entry-level positions in doctors’ offices, clinics, and hospitals.
What is the Role of a Medical Assistant?
Medical assistants perform clinical and administrative duties. They may take vital signs, assist with exams, update patient records, and handle scheduling or billing tasks. Centura College trains students to manage these responsibilities with confidence and compassion.
How Long are Medical Assistant Diploma Programs?
Medical Assistant diploma programs at Centura College can be completed in as little as 12 months. This accelerated format allows students to gain the skills needed to enter the healthcare field fully prepared and ready on day one of their new career.
Is it Better to Get a Medical Assistant Diploma or an Associate Degree?
A medical assistant diploma program is ideal if you want to start working sooner, while an associate degree may be better for those interested in career advancement or further education. Centura College’s Medical Assistant diploma program provides practical training for entry into the healthcare industry. Many graduates later return to pursue advanced degrees once they gain experience.
How Do You Become a Certified Medical Assistant?
After completing an accredited medical assistant program like Centura College’s, graduates can apply to take certification exams such as the CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT). These credentials demonstrate your competency in the job and dedication to quality patient care.
Ready to achieve your career goals? You have our support all the way.
Let us get you the information you need and answer any questions you may have along the way.
