Medical Assistant

Program Description

The Medical Assistant program is a non-credit accelerated training program that combines classroom instruction with clinical practice. Classroom instruction, which includes hands-on lab exercises, is conducted at the Corporate College campus or on the campus of the employer partner. Additionally, a Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support credential through the American Heart Association may be required. The clinical practice takes place at partnering employer locations in offices such as Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, OB/GYN, Orthopedics, Pediatrics and Surgery. A strict attendance policy is enforced throughout this training.

This training prepares students for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certificate supported by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Program Goal

Medical Assistants (MAs) provide patient-focused services while performing administrative and basic clinical tasks in a clinical setting. A medical assistant works alongside physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals to provide direct patient care. Some common clinical tasks include taking vital signs, performing basic laboratory tests, disposing of or sterilizing laboratory supplies, drawing blood or preparing patients for physicians. Common administrative tasks include appointment scheduling, insurance verifications, medical records and billing and coding.

Schedule and Location

The MA program runs 23-30 weeks. Students must be available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Clinical practice hours are scheduled at partnering medical office locations.

Clinical and Field Work

Some degree and certificate programs offered by the college require students to obtain clinical learning experience as part of their course work. Hospitals and health facilities may mandate that a criminal background check and/or drug screening check be conducted prior to placement in a clinical setting and as part of an employer’s screening process. Students not passing these checks may be prohibited from participating in the clinical learning experience thus rendering the student ineligible to satisfactorily meet the course/program requirements, and/or ineligible for hire.

Eligibility Requirements

Enrollment for the MA program is selective. All candidates that apply will be required meet the following eligibility requirements. Candidates will be provided instructions to complete their eligibility steps after they have submitted their application and completed the online presentation.

  • Register with the Missouri Family Care Safety Registry
  • Meet required benchmarks on healthcare fit and workplace readiness assessments
  • Demonstrate academic and career readiness
  • Complete interviews with STLCC and clinical partner staff
  • Pass a criminal background check, drug screen panel, and physical exam with documented proof of immunizations or titers

Technology Requirements

The MA training is currently being delivered in a hybrid format. Students will need the following technology to participate in the program.

  • Desktop or laptop computer with an updated operating system. NOTE: Cell phones will not be sufficient for completing the coursework requirements in this program.
  • Webcam and microphone.
  • Reliable, high-speed internet connection.
  • Updated Internet browser (Apple Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox).
  • Adobe Reader or alternative PDF reader (free).
  • Microsoft Office. NOTE: Students have access to MS Office 365 with their student email.

Cost of Program 

Funding is available for those that are selected for the program.

Financial Aid Eligibility

This program is not Federal Financial Aid/Pell Eligible.

Interested in this program?

Start the enrollment process today by visiting the Medical Assistant page.