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Medical Assisting

Associate Degree, Certificate
Medical Assisting student
Get Ready for a Caring Career
Learn how to help doctors care for patients of all ages and in a variety of settings. Learn skills through hands-on practice, like taking vital signs, helping with exams, working in labs, and keeping health records organized. Let our program prepare you to make a difference in people's lives!

Our medical assisting program is accredited through CAAHEP and meets the educational requirements for AAMA CMA certification, which is valid in all states. Certification is not required in most states, but because many employers prefer it, we recommend that all students obtain CMA certification. 

The medical assisting program at Ensign College has a retention rate of 88.24% for the admission cohort(s) that entered in 2020.

Job Outlook

  • 14%

    Projected job growth for medical assistants from 2021 to 2032.

    (BLS)
  • 1,087,194


    Medical Assisting jobs available in the US as of July 2023.

    (Zip Recruiter)
  • $38K

    Median annual wage for medical assistants as in 2022.

    (BLS)
  • 123K

    Job openings for medical assistants anticipated on average each year over the next decade.

    (BLS)
Program Details

Earn a medical assisting certificate in four semesters. Tuition includes the testing fee for national certification. This will get you started in a medical assisting career. This certificate can also be included in the bachelor's of business management degree.

Add general education requirements for a fully transferrable associate degree. This is a great option if you plan to continue with a bachelor's degree.

View Catalog

Please note that international students on an F1 visa cannot take the certificate-only option. They must be enrolled in an associate or bachelor's degree program.

Certificate Only

The stand-alone certificate prepares you for the national certification exam and a career in medical assisting.

Associate Degree

Pair the certificate with general education courses for an associate degree. This is the best option if you plan to continue your studies at another school.

Medical Assistant

Specialize in your preferred field, including:

  • Urgent care/Instacare
  • Dermatology
  • Obstetrics
  • Family medicine
  • Pediatrics
  • Cardiology
  • Cosmetic surgery

Medical Doctor (MD) or Physician's Assistant (PA)

If you plan to apply to medical school or a PA program, becoming a medical assistant first is a great way to gain experience and clinical hours.

Nurse

Nurses and medical assistants use different skills, so medical assisting coursework usually does not transfer to nursing school. However, having medical assisting experience in addition to nursing skills makes you a valuable asset to any medical team.

A Medical Assisting certificate will provide you with the administrative and clinical skills to prosper in the fast-paced field of healthcare. You’ll experience valuable internships in a variety of settings, including local clinics, hospitals, and ambulatory centers.

Here are some of the skills you'll learn:

  • Vital signs measurement
  • Phlebotomy
  • Injections
  • Urinalysis
  • Blood glucose
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Scheduling
  • Administrative skills
  • Empathy
  • Problem solving
  • Assisting with medical examinations

See Full Course List

You’ll also leave here with the skills to communicate effectively, articulate your career preparation confidently, and collaborate with others meaningfully. And in all things, we’ll help you work toward becoming a capable and trusted disciple of Jesus Christ. So whatever you do, you’ll be prepared to be the best you possible.

Important Things to Know

Considering the medical assisting program? Here are a few important things you'll need to know before starting.

Vaccination Requirements TECHNICAL STANDARDS OCCUPATIONAL RISKS

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING TRANSFER EVALUATION

Connect with Us

Our outreach and admissions counselors can answer any questions you have about the College, our programs, and our admissions process.

CONTACT ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR

If you want to speak directly with a faculty member, visit our directory below.

PROGRAM CONTACTS

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