• Medical Assistant Certificate

    As a medical assistant, you could have the opportunity to work directly with patients and assist with their care and well-being. If you are interested in pursuing opportunities in this rewarding field, our medical assistant program can help you gain the relevant experience and skills to become a qualified candidate. At Kaplan University, we strive to prepare you with the necessary clinical and administrative knowledge to seek various entry-level positions. 

    Our program offers a comprehensive curriculum combined with hands-on training on equipment typically used in a medical setting. The various courses offered can train you to perform specific duties such as assisting the supervising physician with administering injections, taking vital signs, recording EKGs, assisting in minor surgical procedures, carrying out basic accounting procedures, and understanding the fundamentals of charting and documentation. To enhance your career-based experience, you will also complete a practicum that enables you to apply classroom learning in a real-world setting.

    The Medical Assistant Certificate program is currently offered at our Hagerstown, MD campus.

    Medical Assistant Certificate Program Highlights

    To help you develop the relevant knowledge and skills to seek a career in the medical field, Kaplan University's medical assistant program provides instruction in the following:

    • Clinical and administrative course instruction
    • Hands-on training with industry-related medical equipment
    • Practicum 
    • Assistance with job placement
    • Potential career opportunities

    What are the Career Opportunities?

    Students completing the medical assistant program could pursue entry-level positions, or related positions, in a doctor's office, clinic, or other medical facility, such as*:

    • Medical assistant
    • Clinical lab aide
    • Hospital donor unit assistant
    • Blood/plasma lab assistant
    • Blood bank donor unit assistant
    • Front office assistant manager
    • Back office assistant manager
    • Back office lab assistant

  • Kaplan University offers multiple start dates, giving you greater flexibility with your education, life, and work schedules.

    Jul 31

    Campus Start Date
    Jul 31, 2013

    Oct 16

    Campus Start Date
    Oct 16, 2013

    View the Academic Calendar

  • Curriculum: All Tracks

    Certificate Requirements

    HS 101: MEDICAL LAW AND BIOETHICS (5 Credits)

    This course emphasizes the basic principles and applications of law, ethics, and bioethics as they relate to the medical arena. It covers legal terms, consent, contracts, physician/patient relationships, professional liability, and various medical issues. Through lectures, class discussions, case studies, and library research, students acquire knowledge of the importance of their professional, legal, and ethical responsibilities.

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 52
    Total Program Credits: 52

    HS 111: MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY (5 Credits)

    This course provides a logical understanding of the language of medicine. Basic prefixes, suffixes, word roots, and rules for taking a singular term and making it plural are studied, along with word analysis, word building, spelling, and pronunciation. These principles are applied to study the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscle/joints, blood and lymphatic, nervous, respiratory, and cardiovascular. Each body system is reviewed with anatomy and physiology; diagnostic, lab, and surgical procedures; as well as pharmacology for interest and knowledge.

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 52
    Total Program Credits: 52

    HS 120: ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I (5 Credits)

    This course is an integrated study of the human body. The focus is on understanding the interrelated nature of the systems of the body. This includes the concept of homeostasis as well as the relationship between structure and function. This course encompasses the anatomy of selected systems as well as the physiology and terminology as applied to the body. The course presents the chemical basis of life and provides a basic understanding of cells, cellular metabolism, and tissue composition and functions. The course also includes the study of the structures and functions of the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, and senses.

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 52
    Total Program Credits: 52

    HS 130: ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II (5 Credits)

    This course is the continuation of integrated study of the human body. This course encompasses the anatomy of selected systems as well as the physiology and terminology as applied to the body. The course also includes the study of the structures and functions of the following systems: circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive.

    Prerequisites Required:

    HS 120

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 52
    Total Program Credits: 52

    HS 210: MEDICAL OFFICE MANAGEMENT (5 Credits)

    The course explores procedural guidelines for accomplishing various administrative tasks in the health care setting. Topics include management of patient information, medical office software skills, and general workplace competencies of health care employees.

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 52
    Total Program Credits: 52

    HS 220: MEDICAL CODING AND INSURANCE (5 Credits)

    Using ICD-9-CM, CPT, and HCPCS codes, students learn basic coding principles used in filing insurance claims. Students also become acquainted with various types of health insurance and insurance terminology.

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 52
    Total Program Credits: 52

    HS 275: PROFESSIONALISM IN HEALTH CARE (2 Credits)

    This course introduces students to professionalism in the medical setting. Emphasis is placed upon communication, appearance, diversity, emergency preparedness, and preparation of the professional portfolio. Students prepare a portfolio that contains job search documents.

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 52
    Total Program Credits: 52

    MA 260: CLINICAL COMPETENCIES I (5 Credits)

    This course introduces students to the educational theory of procedures commonly performed in a health care setting with special attention to understanding how aseptic technique, documentation, and safety apply to each skill. Specific competencies will include: health history, vital signs, specialty exams, sterilization, minor surgical procedures, and surgical asepsis.

    Prerequisites Required: HS 130

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 52
    Total Program Credits: 52

    MA 270: CLINICAL COMPETENCIES II (5 Credits)

    This course introduces students to the educational theory of procedures commonly performed in a health care setting with special attention to understanding how aseptic technique, documentation, and safety apply to each skill.  Specific competencies will include: phlebotomy, specimen processing, growth charts, instrumentation, methods of quality control, capillary puncture, CLIA-waived testing, microbiology procedures, urinalysis, and administering medications.

    Prerequisites Required: MA 260

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 52
    Total Program Credits: 52

    MA 290: MEDICAL ASSISTING EXTERNSHIP AND EVALUATION (5 Credits)

    Successful completion of this course will require 160 hours of clinical and administrative experience at an approved health care setting. Students will be evaluated on the performance of expected competencies at the end of the course. The course requires a final presentation. The online version of MA 290 requires each student to work with the School of Health Sciences clinical staff to locate an externship site a minimum of two terms prior to beginning the externship.

    Prerequisites Required: MA 270; final term of study

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 52
    Total Program Credits: 52

    CS 119: ACADEMIC STRATEGIES FOR THE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL (5 Credits)

    Designed to facilitate personal and professional success, this course introduces students to the purposes and processes of university education. An emphasis is placed on study, communication, and thinking skills that support academic achievement. Students also examine the relationship between learning and motivation.

    CS 121: PATHWAYS TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS (ONSITE ONLY) (5 Credits)

    Designed to facilitate personal and professional success, this course introduces students to the purposes and processes of university education. An emphasis is placed on study, communication, and thinking skills that support academic achievement. Students also examine the relationship between learning and motivation. (Onsite only)

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 52
    Total Program Credits: 52

    Tuition & Fees: All Tracks

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    Tuition and Fees

    Some programs have additional associated fees that are not included in the price of tuition. Click here or check with an Admissions Advisor for more information. 

    Learn More about Kaplan University Tuition and Fees  

    Notice to Learning Center Students

    Kaplan University Learning Center students will only complete a portion of this program on site. You will need to complete at least 50% of the program requirements online, or through transfer credit awarded via prior learning assessment. If you have any questions about these requirements, please speak with an admissions advisor.

    Scholarships and Grants

    Learn more about grants and Kaplan University Scholarships and that may help reduce the cost of your education.

    Kaplan University tuition reductions (including active-duty, spouse, and veterans military tuition rates; scholarships; grants; vouchers; and alumni and alliance reductions) cannot be combined. 

    Tuition Rates for Military Students and Spouses

    Kaplan University has significantly reduced many of our tuition rates and fees for active-duty servicemembers, their spouses, and veterans. Click here for more information.
     

  • * Kaplan University cannot guarantee employment or career advancement.

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