Medical Assistant Apprenticeship

A Medical Assistant is a healthcare professional who assists healthcare providers in various clinical settings. They perform both administrative and clinical tasks. Their role is diverse and can encompass a wide range of responsibilities depending on the specific healthcare setting and the needs of the medical team. They play a crucial role in ensuring smooth and efficient operation of medical practices by supporting both clinical and administrative functions.

Job Tasks

Medical Assistants perform a wide range of tasks, both clinical and administrative, to support healthcare professionals and ensure the efficient operation of medical facilities. Here’s an overview of what a medical assistant typically does:

1. Patient Care: Medical assistants often work directly with patients, helping them feel comfortable and assisting with their needs. This can involve:

   • Recording patients’ medical backgrounds, including any past illnesses, surgeries, or medications.

   • Measuring and recording essential sings like blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate, and respiratory rate.

   • Preparing examination rooms, assisting physicians during exams, and providing support to patients as needed.

   • Conducting basic procedures such as EKGs (electrocardiograms), phlebotomy (drawing blood), and administering injections or medications as directed by a physician.

   • Offering information to patients about medications, treatments, and procedures.

2. Administrative Tasks: Medical Assistants handle various administrative duties to ensure the smooth operation of medical facilities. This can include:

   • Coordinating patient appointments and managing the physician's schedule.

   • Organizing and updating patient records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.

   • Managing phone calls, emails, and other communication with patients, other healthcare professionals, and external parties.

   • Ensuring that medical supplies and equipment are stocked and available as needed.

3. Laboratory and Clinical Support: Medical Assistants may assist with laboratory procedures and provide support in clinical settings:

   • Gathering samples for testing and ensuring proper handling and labeling.

   • Conducting routine tests such as urinalysis or blood glucose monitoring.

   • Ensuring that medical instruments and equipment are properly sterilized and maintained.

   • Assisting with wound care and dressing changes.

   • Removing stitches or sutures from patients as directed by a physician.

Program Structure

The MA Apprenticeship is a 6-month apprenticeship program that provides hands on instruction in the classroom and on the job. Completers earn the ACC Medical Assistant Certificate and can sit for the CCMA.

This program is offered as a combination of non-credit and credit-bearing coursework. Students who are hired by the participating healthcare organizations and accepted into the Apprenticeship Program at ACC will enroll in: 

• Customized non-credit online course: 

  • NRSA 1010 / Medical Assistant Apprenticeship / 6 months/ (equivalent to 21 Credits) 

• Credit courses: 

  • MAP 2038 / Medical Assisting Laboratory Skills / 4 Credits 

  • MAP 2040 / Medical Assisting Clinical Skills / 4 Credits 

• Students will work up to 32 hours a week at their assigned healthcare organization. They will attend a weekly cohort class session on Fridays that will teach, review, and assess program competencies from that week’s assignments. 

Admission Requirements

To be eligible to participate in this program, a student must: 

• Attend an interview with a participating healthcare organization 

• Be hired for employment as an apprentice with one of the participating healthcare organizations 

• Submit the ACC Admissions Application and complete any further requested documentation 

• Attend a Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Orientation and complete required assessments. 

Program Cost & Financial Assistance

The cost of this apprenticeship program is approximately $5,500 (with COF), as tuition is adjusted each academic year. See  ACC’s Tuition and Fees to learn more.

• The cost of the program is the responsibility of the student.

• Some of the participating healthcare organizations provide financial assistance for tuition. 

• Students are eligible to apply for federal financial aid to cover the credit courses. 

Program Completion

Students are eligible to earn the Medical Assistant Certificate from ACC if they: 

• Complete the required college-credit courses with a minimum grade of “C.” 

• Complete the required non-credit course passing all quizzes and exams with a minimum of 80%. 

Participating Healthcare Organizations

The following healthcare organizations are currently participating in this apprenticeship program with ACC: 

 

Next Steps

1. Submit an Interest Form

2. Attend a virtual info session