Medical Assistant, Certificate Level I

(Note: A criminal background clearance is required before acceptance into this program and drug screening may be required. Students should contact the program director for proper advising.)

A medical assistant is an integral member of the health care team, qualified by education and experience to work in the physician’s administrative office, the examining room, and the office laboratory. This program prepares graduates to function as entry-level practitioners. Graduates of this program are eligible to submit application for certification examination with the American Medical Technologist Association. Individuals who pass the examination are awarded the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential.

Students Interested in Phlebotomy only: The three course series in phlebotomy (MDCA 1309 , MDCA 1352 , & MDCA 1164 ) will be offered every Fall and Spring semester. Students wishing to take only these courses should contact the program director for proper advising.

NOTE: prior to the first class day, students will be required to show proof of ALL immunizations or submit a signed waiver obtained from the State of Texas Health Department. Students enrolled in the Medical Assistant program are required to purchase health insurance prior to the beginning of courses with external clinical experiences.

Admission Requirements

1. Applicants must complete a Howard College application and meet minimum admission standards to Howard College.
2. Must be 18 years of age at the time of certification examination.
3. High school diploma or GED. (High school concurrent enrollment possible).
4. Prior to acceptance into the program, students are required to have the following:
   1. A physical examination, please obtain physical form from the Medical Assisting Program Coordinator.
   2. Tuberculosis clearance: by PPD or Mantoux test (within last three months or annually), or chest x-ray results if applicable.
   3. MMR titer-proof of immunization.
   4. Tetanus vaccination (within the last 10 years).
   5. Varicella: two doses-two months apart or positive titer or written confirmation of disease.
   6. Polio (OPV/IPV): Three doses over six months.
   7. Students are required to have the COMPLETE Hepatitis B vaccine series or a waiver may be obtained from the State of Texas Health Department before going to clinical sites. The student who has a completion date on the Hepatitis B vaccine of 10 years or longer will be required to update this record with an antibody titer to check their immunity
      
      A student that has no proof of ANY immunizations would take six months to complete requirements for all areas. A student who has documentation of childhood immunizations but has not completed the Hepatitis B series would take four months to complete required immunizations and clearances.
5. Enrollment is limited.
6. Students may enroll full-time or part-time.

Liability Insurance

Medical assistant students are required to pay liability insurance and clinical fees each semester.

Health Insurance

Students enrolled in the Medical Assistant program are required to purchase health insurance prior to the beginning of courses with external clinical experiences.

Progress

Students must complete all MDCA and support courses with a “C” or above to progress to the next term.