Medical Assisting: CS
Certificate of Specialization | 9 credit hours minimum
Area of Interest: Health Professions
Program Description
The Medical Assisting (MA) Certificate of Specialization prepares students to become eligible to become Certified Clinical Medical Assistants. Students learn to provide direct care for clients and acquire knowledge and technical skills necessary for effective communication with clients and families.
Graduates are awarded a certificate in Medical Assisting and are eligible to apply for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) credential of "Certified Clinical Medical Assistant" (CCMA).
The didactic and clinical components of the curriculum are interrelated to provide a strong background for the student in attaining the objectives of the program and in becoming a competent practitioner. Experience is provided in a variety of agencies including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home health care settings.
The Medical Assisting program is pending accreditation by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Persons considering a career in patient care should have an interest in the health sciences and in working closely with people. In addition, they should be able to meet the academic demands of a program that requires a commitment of time, energy, and motivation to learn.
Admission to the program is contingent on meeting the established minimum criteria as defined in the Program Handbook. Applicants also are required to complete a health history, criminal background check, and immunization record. Applicants selected for the program are required to have a physical examination.
The NHA certification does not guarantee compliance with state-specific licensing or practice requirements. Each state has its own laws and regulations governing the practice of allied healthcare professions, which may include additional certification or licensing criteria. It is the responsibility of the individual to research and adhere to the specific regulations set forth by the appropriate state oversight body. Changes to state laws, regulations, and requirements occur frequently; therefore, individuals should regularly review official state resources to ensure compliance.
Prerequisites
The following must be completed prior to applying for admission into the Medical Assisting, Certificate of Specialization:
- CPR Certification
- Approved enrollment to the Medical Assisting, CS program
- Reading Proficiency
NOTE: Check program handbook for additional requirements such as criminal background check, drug screen, immunizations, CPR, and assessment tests.
Locations. This program is offered in its entirety at Florissant Valley.
Cost of Attendance. For more information on cost of attendance visit MoSCORES.
Program Career and Salary Information. Pursuant to Missouri HB 1606 (2018), information regarding the number of credit hours, program length, employment rate, wage data, and graduates employed in careers related to their program of study at St. Louis Community College can be found at the following URL: https://scorecard.mo.gov/scorecard/. Search using School / Program “St. Louis Community College” and choose the degree or credential type of interest.
The following limitations to the data apply: Information provided is based on the most recent cohorts available. Typically, the most recent cohorts for wage and completion data are six years before the current academic year. The time to complete a program of study varies depending on the number of credit hours students earn per semester.
Interested in this program? Start the enrollment process by visiting the Apply to STLCC page.
At the completion of the program, students are expected to:
- implement legal, ethical, and regulatory standards set forth by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
- communicate effective verbal, non-verbal, and written communication with the multi-disciplinary health care team, clients, families, and communities across the lifespan.
- provide client-centered care as part of a multidisciplinary health care team.
- identify healthcare concepts and the value of life-long learning.
Program of Study
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Program Requirements | ||
| CMA 101 | Introduction to Medical Assisting I | 4 |
| CMA 102 | Introduction to Medical Assisting II | 3 |
| CMA 103 | Special Topics in Medical Assisting | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours | 9 | |
Academic Plan
PLEASE NOTE: If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2026, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements. Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.
| First Year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| CMA 101 | Introduction to Medical Assisting I | 4 | Enrollment in the Medical Assisting Program and Reading Proficiency | Exploratory Course, Gateway Course, First 8-weeks |
| CMA 102 | Introduction to Medical Assisting II | 3 | CMA 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | Corequisite: CMA 102; Second 8-weeks |
| CMA 103 | MA Special Topics | 2 | CMA 101 with a minimum grade of "C", and Reading Proficiency | Corequisite: CMA 102; Second 8-weeks |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |||
| Total Credit Hours | 9 | |||
Critical Courses: Critical courses are most important to a student's declared major and most strongly predict later success in the major. A critical course requires a minimal grade to progress to higher-level courses.
Exploratory Courses: Exploratory courses are first-semester courses that introduce the program and career field.
Gateway Courses: Gateway courses are courses in many career pathways that must be completed before progression in higher-level courses. These may be the same as critical and/or exploratory courses.
*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.
**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.
*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice. Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor.