Medical Assistant Certificate Program
Classes Start December 4
Enter allied healthcare as a medical assistant.
Program Type
Certificate
Delivery Method
On Campus | Hybrid*
Course Length
Approximately
9 Months
*Hybrid education options not available at all campuses
Program Objective
While the specific duties of a medical assistant may vary depending on practice and state laws, their main function is to act as a liaison between doctors and patients and ensure quality care for patients.
Clinical duties may include:
- Preparing patients for exams
- Taking patients’ medical histories
- Answering patient questions about treatments/procedures
- Assisting physicians/nurses during exams
- Collecting and preparing lab specimens
- Performing basic lab tests
- Facilitating prescription refills
- Informing patients about medications
- Removing sutures or changing dressings
Clerical duties may include:
- Welcoming patients
- Answering phones
- Scheduling patient appointments
- Filing patient records
- Filling out insurance forms
- Handling billing
- Navigating computer systems and applications
Students in the Medical Assistant certificate program will gain a broad set of skills that they can apply to a number of medical office environments. Classes focus on topics such as examination techniques, surgical procedures, medical office laboratory procedures, medical law and more, taught by instructors with years of experience.
Through hands-on training and equipment that mirrors real-world settings, students will learn how to properly interface with patients, record vital signs, collect/prepare laboratory specimens, instruct patients about medications, authorize drug refills, draw blood, perform injections, take electrocardiograms and other important skills necessary to work as a medical assistant.
This Program Now Offers a Hybrid Learning Option
Students interested in this program who are looking for additional flexibility for their schedules might find blended learning is the best fit.
As a Hybrid student, you will still benefit from the same support students enrolled in our on campus programs receive, including mental health resources, student services, career services, resume writing and more.
Interested in learning more about Pima Medical’s hybrid education and schedule? Our admissions teams are ready to discuss the schedule, expectations and interactive instruction provided during the program.
All Locations
Careers in Medical Assisting
What Are My Career Opportunities as a Medical Assistant?
What Are My Career Opportunities as a Medical Assistant?
- Physicians’ offices
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Outpatient medical facilities
Other career opportunities include:
- Administrative support occupations
- Educating future medical assistants
- Other office management roles
Job Outlook
Job Outlook
The growth of an aging baby boom population will continue to increase the demand for preventive medical services, which are often provided by physicians. As a result, physicians will hire more assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties, allowing the physicians to see more patients.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of medical assistants is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2020 to 2030.
Continued Education
Continued Education
At Pima Medical Institute, we offer an online associate degree in Health Care Administration, an online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration and an online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. Get the skills needed to move up within the healthcare industry, with the flexibility of virtual instruction. Work on your degree anywhere, anytime.
Online Programs
When you’re a Pima Medical Institute student, you get access to our Career Services team—here for you when you need extra help with finding the right job opportunities, building a resume, strengthening your interview skills or just looking for general guidance.
Clinical Externships
At Pima Medical Institute, most programs allow students to work in their field through clinical externships—a chance to be mentored by full-time professionals and interface with real patients.
In addition to real-world experience, clinical externships offer students resume-worthy opportunities, letters of recommendation from supervisors, and sometimes job placement directly after graduation.
Program Outline
Learn more about the courses in this program.
Program Outline for all campuses except Renton and Seattle
Career Prep Sequence
Professional Sequence I
Professional Sequence II
Professional Sequence III
Professional Sequence IV
Externship
Program Outline for Renton and Seattle
Career Prep Sequence
Professional Sequence I
Professional Sequence II
Professional Sequence III
Professional Sequence IV
Externship
Interested In Starting This Program?
Find out more about our Admissions Requirements or view our How to Apply page.
Success Is Within Reach
We are truly invested in making sure our students succeed.
“Once I arrived, everyone was warm and welcoming and I felt better. I attended the evening Medical Assistant program, so after class I went directly to work, worked all night, then came home, got my older three kids off to school and came home and cared for my two younger children and studied. It was rough and I really struggled academically at times, but when you have wonderful teachers and classmates it makes it easier. I remember one day when I was at my breaking point and wanted to quit, one of my instructors took the time to talk with me and help me see that I could finish. I’m so grateful for that. I did it and my kids are so proud of me!”
Ashley Williams, Medical Assistant Graduate
Pima Medical Blog
From Job to Career: Colorado Springs Graduate is Thriving in Healthcare
Patrick Fisk is a 2022 graduate of the Colorado Springs Medical Assistant certificate program. He says he loves his job and enjoys each day. Hear…
This Two-Time Pima Medical Graduate Started as an Undecided Community College Student Before Finding her Calling
Alexis Manuszak completed the Medical Assistant certificate program at our San Antonio campus and the Health Care Administration associate degree through our Online campus. She…
This Medical Assistant Graduate’s Journey Ended with her Dream Job!
Bryttnee McKinney is a proud two-time graduate of Pima Medical Institute. She earned her Medical Assistant certificate from our Renton campus and continued to earn…
Disclosures And Accreditations
State Licensure Determination Disclosure
The Medical Assistant program is offered via on-ground and hybrid delivery methods. The program is available to residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington, and meets applicable licensure requirements in those states. While there may be online components, completion of this program requires on-ground attendance at the campus at which the student is enrolled and cannot be completed solely via distance education. Prospective students and enrolled students should understand that moving out of the state in which they enrolled may adversely impact a student’s ability to complete the program. If a student is planning to relocate outside of their state of enrollment he or she is required to discuss this with the Student Services Coordinator and/or Program Director.
In compliance with 34 CFR 668.43 Pima Medical Institute has made a reasonable effort to determine graduate eligibility for licensure in all states for programs designed and advertised as leading to licensure. The document below lists Pima Medical Institute programs and states where the curriculum meets licensure requirements, states where the curriculum does not meet licensure requirements, and states in which Pima Medical Institute has been unable to determine if the curriculum meets state licensure requirements. All consumers should be advised that due to the frequent changes to state statutes, rules, and regulations Pima Medical Institute cannot guarantee licensure based on the lists below.
State Licensure Determination Disclosure – Certificate Programs
Contact information for state licensing boards in which Pima Medical Institute has determined the program does not meet state licensure requirements or where Pima Medical Institute has been unable to determine if the program meets state licensure requirements can be found below.
State Licensing Board Contact Information – Medical Assistant