Alamance Community College Medical Assisting Program

Key Takeaways:

Admission: GPA, placement tests, medical prerequisites, and other requirements apply.
Program Type: Offers an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree and Diploma in Medical Assisting.
Cost: Tuition varies; fees and additional costs total approximately $2,900 beyond tuition.
Duration: Diploma can be completed in about 1.5 years, A.A.S. Degree in 2 years.
Certification: Graduates qualify for the CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT) certification exams.
Location: Alamance Community College, Graham, NC.

Overview of Alamance Community College’s Medical Assisting Program

The Medical Assisting program at Alamance Community College (ACC) is designed to produce versatile healthcare professionals trained for both clinical and administrative roles. Students receive thorough training in essential areas like patient care, lab procedures, medication administration, EKG monitoring, insurance billing, and medical office management. The curriculum balances classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience, preparing graduates for real-world healthcare settings.

ACC provides two distinct educational paths: the Diploma in Medical Assisting and the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree. Both options adequately prepare students for national certification exams, specifically the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA).

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Coursework and Learning Objectives

Students enrolled in ACC’s Medical Assisting program gain in-depth knowledge in a variety of areas crucial to a medical assistant’s role. Classes cover:

Medical terminology and basic anatomy
Examination room procedures and patient care
Administrative office management (insurance, billing, scheduling)
Laboratory techniques (blood draws, specimen handling)
Drug therapy and supervised medication administration
Medical law and ethics
Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems

The A.A.S. Degree program expands on the diploma curriculum by including general education courses in math, communication, social sciences, and humanities. Students typically complete the diploma first, then proceed to finish their associate degree.

Certification and Accreditation

The Medical Assisting Program at ACC is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), which ensures that the program meets rigorous national standards. Graduates are eligible to take certification exams administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or American Medical Technologists (AMT).

Exam passage rates at ACC have been moderately satisfactory, with rates ranging between 66.7% and 84.6% from 2020-2023. While these numbers are acceptable, students should aim for a program with closer to 90% passage to enhance employability prospects.

Admission Requirements

To qualify for admission into ACC’s Medical Assisting program, applicants must meet specific prerequisites:

Official high school transcript (or GED equivalent).
Updated Alamance Community College application specifying Medical Assisting.
Official transcripts from any previous college coursework.
Minimum GPA of 2.0 on past college coursework.
Completion of placement testing in Math and English, or approved waiver.
Completion of developmental English (DRE) courses and developmental math (DMA 010, 020, 030).
Completion of MED 116 (Intro to Anatomy & Physiology) with a minimum 70% grade.
Personal meeting with the admissions coordinator or Medical Assisting department head.

Students must fulfill these requirements before formal admission to ensure successful progression.

Additional Costs and Financial Aid

Beyond tuition, students should anticipate additional costs, approximately $2,900, including books, uniforms, immunizations, insurance, CPR certification, and national exam fees. The college offers payment plans, scholarships, grants, and veteran assistance to help offset these expenses. Utilizing ACC’s online Net Price Calculator is advisable to accurately gauge personalized tuition costs.

Clinical Experience and Technical Standards

The program includes practical clinical rotations, exposing students to real-world healthcare environments. Before starting clinical placements, students must undergo background checks, drug screenings, and obtain specific immunizations. This hands-on experience is critical for developing professional competency and practical skills.

Students must also meet specific physical, emotional, and cognitive standards necessary to perform effectively as medical assistants. This includes capabilities like:

Critical thinking and problem-solving in clinical settings.
Strong interpersonal communication.
Emotional stability under pressure.
Physical abilities for tasks such as lifting patients and using medical equipment.

Career Prospects and Employability

Graduates find employment in various healthcare environments, including:

Physician offices
Hospitals and clinics
Health departments
Pharmaceutical and insurance companies

Job placement rates for recent cohorts have been positive. However, enhancing exam passage rates could significantly improve employment outcomes.

Program Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Strengths

Solid, accredited curriculum covering clinical and administrative competencies.
Multiple start times (fall, spring, evening options) allowing flexibility for different schedules.
Robust clinical experience integrated throughout the program.

Areas for Improvement

Exam passage rates are acceptable but could be improved to consistently hit the desired 90% benchmark.
Clearer information on tuition pricing upfront would help prospective students make informed decisions.

Who Should Consider This School?

Alamance Community College’s Medical Assisting program is ideal for students who prefer a structured, accredited program that blends classroom learning and clinical practice. Students seeking affordability, financial assistance, and flexible scheduling options will find this program appealing. However, individuals prioritizing high exam pass rates might want to compare ACC against other programs.

Category	Details
Cost	Varies by residency and credit hours; additional fees approx. $2,900+ not including tuition. Use Net Price Calculator for full estimate.
Duration	Diploma: ~1.5 years; A.A.S. Degree: ~2 years
Class Schedules	Fall, Spring, and Summer entry available; students are advised to follow a full-time, semester-by-semester plan
Online Classes?	No (Program is in-person)
Requirements	High school transcript, college transcripts, placement tests or waivers, GPA of 2.0+, completion of MED 116, meeting with program staff
Address	1247 Jimmie Kerr Rd, Graham, NC 27253
Phone	(336) 578-2002
Email	[email protected] (for accommodations; general inquiries should go through the main line)
Website	https://www.alamancecc.edu/curriculum_programs/health-and-public-services/medical_assisting/index.php